Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is one of the most complex and least understood psychiatric conditions, often causing significant disruption in daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience a range of symptoms, including delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (perceptions of things that are not present), disorganized thinking, and extreme emotional responses. These symptoms typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, affecting both men and women, though it often manifests earlier in men.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors. Family history of the disorder, prenatal exposure to infections, and early childhood trauma may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.