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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffSchizophrenia is a group of severe brain disorders in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking and behavior. The ability of people with schizophrenia to function normally and to care for themselves tends to deteriorate over time.
Contrary to some popular belief, schizophrenia isn't split personality or multiple personality. The word "schizophrenia" does mean "split mind," but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, requiring lifelong treatment.
- Understanding schizophrenia and recovery. National Alliance on Mental Health. http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23036. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Jibson M. Schizophrenia: Diagnostic evaluation and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Jibson M. Schizophrenia: Clinical presentation, epidemiology and pathophysiology. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Meltzer H, et al. Schizophrenia. In: Ebert M, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3284037. Accessed Oct. 23, 2009.
- Let's talk facts about schizophrenia. American Psychiatric Association. http://healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Schizophrenia.aspx?css=print. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/complete-index.shtml. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
- Van Os J, et al. Schizophrenia. Lancet. 2009;374:635.
