MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Schizophrenia

Medical Encyclopedia

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders characterized by disturbances in perception, affect, behavior and communication lasting longer than 6 months (this includes psychotic behavior). The person suffering from schizophrenia has deteriorated occupational, interpersonal and self-supportive abilities.

Update Date: 2/6/2008

Updated by: Christos Ballas, MD, Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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