Schizophrenia is a brain disorder characterized by a variety of different
symptoms, many of which can dramatically affect an individual’s way of
thinking and ability to function. Most scientists think that the disorder
is due to one or more problems in the development of the brain that results
in neurochemical imbalances, although no one fully understands why
schizophrenia develops.
People with schizophrenia have trouble distinguishing what’s real from
what’s not. They are not able to fully control their emotions or think
logically, and they usually have trouble relating to other people. They often
suffer from hallucinations; much of their bizarre behavior is usually due to
individuals acting in response to something they think is real but is only in
their minds.
Unfortunately, because of the way schizophrenia has been inaccurately
portrayed in the media over many decades, the illness is one of the most
feared and misunderstood of all the physical and mental disorders.
Schizophrenia is a long-term relapsing disorder because it has symptoms
that wax and wane, worsen and get better, over time. Similar to many
physical illnesses (such as diabetes, asthma, and arthritis), schizophrenia is
highly treatable — although it isn’t yet considered curable.
