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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease and psychiatric illness that, without treatment, interferes with the ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and interact with other people. It causes symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

The cause of schizophrenia is not clear. Treatment to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia consists of medicines, counseling, and a good support network.

Schizophrenia is not the same condition as multiple personality disorder (dissociative identity disorder).

Last Revised: August 19, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Miklos Ferenc Losonczy, MD, PhD - Psychiatry

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