Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has been recognized throughout recorded history. The term schizophrenia was first used in the late 19th century by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler to describe the split between an individual’s thought processes and emotional responses. Early descriptions of the condition date back to ancient times, when it was known as dementia praecox orsplit personality. The most common symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and thinking, and impaired social functioning. Schizophrenia affects men and women equally and usually appears in early adulthood (between the ages of 16-30). It is one of the most costly mental disorders to society in terms of human suffering, financial burden, and lost productivity.
With proper treatment, which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, most people with schizophrenia can live relatively normal lives. However, there is no cure for schizophrenia and some people do not respond well to treatment. People with this disorder often require lifelong care and support from family members or other caregivers to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.