Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It is a chronic condition that typically develops in the late teenage years or early adulthood, although it can sometimes appear later in life.

The most common symptoms of schizophrenia include:

• Delusions: false beliefs that are not based in reality
• Hallucinations: seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Disorganized thinking: difficulty organizing thoughts or following logical train of thought
• Negative symptoms: loss of motivation, lack of emotion, difficulty with social interactions

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain chemistry factors. People with a family history of schizophrenia are at higher risk of developing the condition, and research suggests that certain environmental factors, such as stress, drug abuse, and malnutrition, may also play a role.

Schizophrenia is a treatable condition, and treatment often involves a combination of medication and therapy. With the right treatment, people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.