Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary, but typically include positive symptoms such as hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs), disordered thinking and speech, and negative symptoms such as flattened emotions, lack of motivation, and difficulty with social interactions.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain chemistry factors. Risk factors for developing schizophrenia include a family history of the condition, early childhood trauma.

Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment for schizophrenia, and can help reduce positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.