any of several psychotic disorders characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought and language and withdrawal from social contact
"The diagnosis confirmed that his symptoms fit the criteria for schizophrenia, showing clear signs of distorted reality, disorganized speech, and a complete retreat from social interaction."
A psychiatric diagnosis denoting a persistent, often chronic, mental illness characterised by abnormal perception, thinking, behavior and emotion, often marked by delusions.
"After years of experiencing auditory hallucinations and bizarre beliefs about being controlled by aliens, the man finally received a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia."
In plain English: Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition where a person struggles to distinguish between what's real and what isn't, often experiencing confusing thoughts or hearing voices that aren't there.
"Doctors diagnosed him with schizophrenia after he began hearing voices that others could not hear."
Usage: Avoid using this term as an adjective to describe symptoms; instead, use "schizophrenic" only when referring directly to the person affected. The condition is distinct from other psychotic disorders like schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder with psychotic features.
Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler coined the term in German by combining Ancient Greek words for "split" and "mind." The name describes a condition where a person's mental faculties are divided or fragmented.