Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder that profoundly affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is not "split personality" (a common myth) that’s dissociative identity disorder. Instead, schizophrenia disrupts the brain’s ability to distinguish reality from internal experiences, often leading to a fragmented sense of self and the world.
Core Features (DSM-5 Criteria)
To be diagnosed, a person must experience at least two of the following symptoms for a significant portion of one month (or less if treated), with at least one being delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech:
- Delusions – Fixed, false beliefs despite evidence (e.g., believing one is being controlled by external forces).
- Hallucinations – Sensory experiences without external stimuli, most commonly auditory (hearing voices).
- Disorganized Speech – Incoherent or tangential thinking (e.g., "word salad").
- Grossly Disorganized or Catatonic Behavior – Unpredictable agitation or immobility.
- Negative Symptoms – Diminished emotional expression, motivation (avolition), or social withdrawal.
Symptoms must persist for at least 6 months, cause significant impairment, and not be attributable to substance use or another medical condition.
Onset & Prevalence
- Typically emerges in late teens to mid-30s (earlier in males).
- Affects ~0.3–0.7% of the global population.
- Risk factors: genetics (10% risk if a parent has it), prenatal stressors, substance use (especially cannabis in adolescence).
Brain & Treatment
Involves dopamine dysregulation and structural changes (e.g., enlarged ventricles). Antipsychotic medications (e.g., risperidone) reduce positive symptoms; therapy (CBT) and social support address negative symptoms and functioning. Early intervention improves outcomes recovery is possible, though lifelong management is common.
Stigma persists, but schizophrenia is a brain disorder, not a character flaw. With treatment, many lead meaningful lives.