Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and speech. People with schizophrenia may also have a hard time paying attention, speaking clearly, feeling emotions, and behaving normally. Symptoms of Schizophrenia most often first appear during a person’s late teens or early adult years. People with schizophrenia are also at increased risk of living in poverty and being homeless.
There are a lot of ways to find help for schizophrenia. If you or a loved one is starting to show symptoms of this disorder, you should see a doctor. He or she can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide additional treatment. You can also speak to a mental health professional yourself or join support groups and forums.