Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotions, and behavior. Diagnosis follows criteria from the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision) or ICD-11. No single test confirms it; clinicians rely on clinical history, symptoms, and ruling out other causes (e.g., substance use, medical conditions).

Core Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5-TR):

1. Two or more characteristic symptoms for a significant portion of 1 month (or less if treated):
   • Delusions (fixed false beliefs, e.g., persecution or grandeur).
   • Hallucinations (often auditory, like hearing voices).
   • Disorganized speech (incoherent or tangential).
   • Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior.
   • Negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression, avolition, social withdrawal). At least one must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech.
2. Significant dysfunction in work, interpersonal relations, or self-care for 6 months or more (including prodromal/residual phases with milder symptoms or negative symptoms).
3. Exclusion of other causes: Symptoms not attributable to schizoaffective disorder, bipolar/manic episodes with psychosis, substances (e.g., amphetamines, LSD), or medical conditions (e.g., brain tumors, autoimmune encephalitis).
4. Continuous signs of disturbance persist for at least 6 months.

Subtypes (no longer in DSM-5 but clinically useful): paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated, residual.

Risk Factors: Genetics (10% risk if first-degree relative affected), prenatal infections, trauma, cannabis use in adolescence, urban upbringing. Onset typically late teens to mid-30s (earlier in males).

Assessment: Involves psychiatric evaluation, family history, cognitive testing, brain imaging (to exclude organic causes), and sometimes blood/urine screens.

Early intervention improves outcomes. Antipsychotics, therapy (CBT), and social support are mainstays. If you or someone shows symptoms, seek a psychiatrist immediately stigma delays care.