Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1 percent of Americans.
People with the disorder may hear voices other people don’t hear. They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts or plotting to harm them. This can terrify people with the illness and make them withdrawn or extremely agitated.
Families and society are affected by schizophrenia, too. Many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, so they rely on others for help.
Treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people who have the disorder cope with symptoms throughout their lives. Many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities.
For more information on schizophrenia, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.