Schizophrenia is usually thought to be a mental disorder or illness which disturbs how a person thinks, feels and behaves. How it affects the person changes over time. Some may be unwell for a few months only, others may have longer and repeated episodes. For an unfortunate few, the episodes may be severe and continuous. It is now possible to predict within the first two years, which form it will take.
Schizophrenia profoundly affects their health, happiness, and social life.
They are more likely to be physically ill or commit suicide, and many live in poverty and isolation. Good treatment can go a long way to prevent this. One in 100 people develops schizophrenia at some time in their life. It usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood, generally a little later for women than for men. It may occur in people from all classes and walks of life.