ICD-10: F20Mental & Behavioral DisordersGeneral Severity
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that makes it hard for a person to tell the difference between what is real and what is not.
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Find PsychiatristsClinical Overview
Schizophrenia is a chronic, or long-term, condition that affects how the brain processes information. It primarily involves the brain's chemistry and the way different parts of the brain communicate with each other.
While it is not fully understood, scientists believe it happens because of a combination of genetics and an imbalance in brain chemicals, such as dopamine, which is a chemical messenger that helps brain cells talk to one another.
Common Symptoms
- Hallucinations, which are seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not actually there.
- Delusions, which are strong, false beliefs that aren't based in reality, such as believing someone is spying on you.
- Disorganized thinking, where it is hard to speak clearly or connect thoughts logically.
- Social withdrawal, or feeling the need to pull away from friends and family.
- Lack of motivation or difficulty feeling pleasure in daily activities.