Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia"

Schizophrenia is a serious and disruptive mental illness that occurs in all cultures and affects about 1 in 100 people world-wide. Although the term is sometimes used mistakenly to refer to split personality, schizophrenia is actually an impairment of a person's sense of reality that leads to irrational behaviour and disturbed emotional problems. People with Schizophrenia may hear voices, and this may contribute to their bizarre behaviour. In addition, they are usually unable to function at work or maintain relationships with other people.

Without proper support and treatment, people with schizophrenia are likely to neglect or harm themselves. About 1 in 10 people with the condition commit suicide.

What causes schizophrenia"

No single cause of schizophrenia has been identified, but genetic factors are known to play a role. A person who is closely related to someone with schizophrenia has a significantly increased risk of developing the disorder. In...