Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder denoting an often chronic, major mental illness primarily affecting thinking, with attendant difficulties in perception of reality, which in turn can affect behavior and emotion. The term schizophrenia comes from the Greek words σχίζω (schizo, split or divide) and φρενός (phrenos, mind) and can be translated as "shattered mind."

Related Topics:
Psychiatric - Mental illness - Thinking - Perception - Behavior - Emotion - Greek - Mind

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The primary sign of schizophrenia is considered to be fragmentation of basic thought structure and cognition, and the inability to distinguish between internal and external experience. People with schizophrenia may report hallucinations or be observed responding to them and may express clearly delusional beliefs. Social or occupational dysfunction, a number of secondary signs, and the lack of an identifiable organic cause may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Mainstream research has suggested that both biological and sociocultural influences are important contributing factors, with current research often focusing on the influences of biochemical and genetic factors on the neurobiology of the brain.

Related Topics:
Hallucination - Delusional

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The status of schizophrenia is considered controversial by some, who claim a lack of objectivity in the stated diagnostic criteria. There is no objective biological test for schizophrenia, and diagnosis is based on the basis of the self-reported experiences of the patient combined with the observations of the psychiatrist or other responsible clinician.

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In spite of its name, schizophrenia does not involve a 'split personality', and should not be confused with disassociative identity disorder as it often is in literature, film and other forms of popular culture. There is also little association with schizophrenia and a predisposition toward aggressive behavior.

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