Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness in which reality is perceived by sufferers strangely. Schizophrenia can cause incapacitating hallucinations, delusions, and extremely irrational thinking and behavior that can make it impossible to carry out daily tasks. Patients with schizophrenia require constant care. Early intervention may help keep symptoms under control before serious problems develop and may improve the long-term prognosis.
Schizophrenia is characterized by a wide range of problems with behavior, emotions, and thinking (cognition). Although there are many varied warning signs and symptoms, they frequently involve hallucinations, slurred speech, and diminished ability to operate. Symptoms may include:
- Delusions.
- Hallucinations.
- Disorganized thinking (speech).
- Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior.
- Negative symptoms.