Schizophrenia is a serious disturbance of thought, perception, emotion and drive. Often it becomes difficult for an individual to think straight, solve problems and communicate meaningfully to others. Sometimes emotions become blunted or inappropriate and there is a dimunition of drive or purposeful activity.
Individuals affected often become solitary and reclusive.
St. Loman's Hospital Dublin and Kildare Services. As probably the most severe form of mental illness, schizophrenia, a 'psychotic' illness forces an individual to withdraw from the world and to live in their own fantasy world. At times, such individuals are unable to tell what is real from what is not real and believe more in their fantasy world than in reality. They can be described as being 'out of touch' with the world around them. They are often very frightened.