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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease and psychiatric illness that, without treatment, interferes with the ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and interact with other people. It causes symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

The cause of schizophrenia is not clear. Treatment to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia consists of medications, counseling, and a good support network.

Schizophrenia is not the same condition as multiple personality disorder (dissociative identity disorder).

Last Updated: August 28, 2008

Author: Jeannette Curtis & Paul Lehnert

Medical Review: Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine & Miklos Ferenc Losonczy, MD, PhD - Psychiatry & J. David Carroll, PhD - Psychology

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