The newest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fourth Edition (DSM IV) definition of schizophrenia is as follows:  Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disease that affects about 1% of the population.  People who have this disease experience psychotic symptoms, which consist of delusions and/or prominent hallucinations that occur without the patient having insight about their pathological nature.  There is not just one definition or symptom that is all encompassing for this disease; individuals who have schizophrenia experience a wide variety of signs and symptoms that are related to impaired social and occupational functioning.  In order for an individual to be diagnosed with schizophrenias one must have persistent symptoms for one month and some lingering signs for at least six months.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

What are the Subtypes of Schizophrenia?

Causes of Schizophrenia

How to Diagnose Schizophrenia

What is the Course of Schizophrenia?

What is its Prevalence?

Common Misconceptions

Real Life Stories

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