    schizophrenia ( or ) is a mental disorder often characterized by abnormal social behavior and failure to recognize what is real. common symptoms include false beliefs, unclear or confused thinking, auditory hallucinations, reduced social engagement and emotional expression, and inactivity. diagnosis is based on observed behavior and the person's reported experiences. genetics and early environment, as well as psychological and social processes, appear to be important contributory factors. some recreational and prescription drugs appear to cause or worsen symptoms. the many possible combinations of symptoms have triggered debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of separate syndromes. despite the origin of the term from the greek roots skhizein ("to split") and phrÄn ("mind"), schizophrenia does not imply a "split personality", or "multiple personality disorder"âa condition with which it is often confused in public perception. rather, the term means a "splitting of mental functions", reflecting the presentation of the illness. the mainstay of treatment is antipsychotic medication, which primarily suppresses dopamine receptor activity. counseling, job training and social rehabilitation are also important in treatment. in more serious casesâwhere there is risk to self or othersâinvoluntary hospitalization may be necessary, although hospital stays are now shorter and less frequent than they once were.{{cite journal |author=becker t, kilian r|year=2006 |title=psychiatric services for people with severe mental illness across western europe: what can be generalized from current knowledge about differences in provision, costs and outcomes of mental health care? |journal=acta psychiatrica scandinavica supplement |volume=113 |pages=9â16 |pmid=16445476 |doi=10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.007
Psychiatric_diagnosis Psychiatric_diseases_and_disorders Psychopathology Psychosis Schizophrenia