SchizophreniaSchizophrenia (from the Greek word σχιζοφρένεια, "split mind") is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental disorder characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality and by significant social or occupational disfunction. ~ A person experiencing schizophrenia is typically characterized as demonstrating disorganized thinking, and as experiencing delusions or auditory hallucinations. ~
Although the disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, it can also contribute to chronic problems with behavior and emotion. ~ Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, heated debate is ongoing about whether the diagnosis necessarily or adequately describes a disorder, or alternatively whether it might represent a number of disorders. ~ For this reason, Eugen Bleuler deliberately called the disease "the schizophrenias" plural, when he coined the present name. ~
Diagnosis is based on the self-reported experiences of the patient, in combination with secondary signs observed by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or other competent clinician. ~ No objective biological test for schizophrenia exists, though studies suggest that genetics, neurobiology and social environment are important contributing factors. ~ Current research into the development of the disorder often focuses on the role of neurobiology, although a reliable and identifiable organic cause has not been found. ~ In the absence of objective laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis, some question the legitimacy of schizophrenia's status as a disease. ~ Furthermore, some question the status of schizophrenia as a disease on the basis that they do not consider the condition to be an impairment. ~
The term schizophrenia translates roughly as "splitting of the mind", and comes from the Greek σχίζω (schizo, "to split" or "to divide") and φρήν (phrēn, "mind"). ~ Despite its etymology, schizophrenia is not synonymous with dissociative identity disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder or "split personality"; in popular culture the two are often confused. ~ People with schizophrenia are generally not more violent or dangerous than other members of the population. ~
Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia are highly likely to be diagnosed with other disorders. ~ The lifetime prevalence of substance abuse is typically around 40%. ~ Comorbidity is also high with clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and social problems, and a generally decreased life expectancy is also present. ~ Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia typically live 10-12 years less than their healthy counterparts, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. ~ Unemployment and poverty are common. ~
