Diseases and Conditions
Schizophrenia
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping and support
Preparing for an appointment
Overview
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling.
People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. Early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook.