The origin of the term ‘schizophrenia’ literally means ‘split’ (schiz-) ‘mind’ (phren-). However, this term refers more accurately to a split between the functions of the mind such as thinking, perception and emotion rather than a split personality. Symptoms include hallucinations, often of voices talking to or about the patient, bizarre fixed beliefs or ‘delusions’ and problems in the train of thought.
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that has a profound effect on all areas of the sufferer’s life: work, relationships and even sense of self-identity. These symptoms and the effect on a person’s life can be very distressing and we know that on average more than 10% of people with schizophrenia commit suicide. Developing effective treatments can therefore give an enormous benefit to patients and their families.
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