It is actually characterized by several different symptoms, which may make the individual seem as if he or she has multiple personalities. Schizophrenia usually develops in people between fifteen and thirty, though it does occur rarely in older people.
Diagnosis is based on an interview with a patient, to see if significant symptoms are present.
Many people have delusions, beliefs that are obviously untrue to others. Many claim to hear voices, sometimes two talking back and forth. Other times they may claim that the voices directed them to behave in a certain way this adds to the stereotype that schizophrenia is multiple personality disorder. An individual may believe that she is a queen and that she can see and talk to the members of her court, when she obviously cannot. Schizophrenics engage in other forms of bizarre behavior, such as talking to oneself or no one in particular, walking backwards, laughing without any stimulation to do so, or making funny faces.