Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It primarily involves the central nervous system and can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. People with this condition may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. It often impacts daily functioning, including work, relationships, and self-care. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment usually involves medications and supportive therapies to manage symptoms.

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a constellation of positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (apathy, social withdrawal), and cognitive dysfunction. It is thought to result from dysregulation of dopaminergic pathways and abnormalities in neurodevelopment influenced by genetic factors such as variations in COMT and DISC1 genes. The disorder typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood and leads to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning. Structural brain changes, including ventricular enlargement and cortical atrophy, are often observed. The clinical significance lies in its chronic course, high morbidity, and increased risk of suicide.