A European Informational Website
learn more
Schizophrenia (from the Greek word σχιζοφρένεια, or schizophreneia, meaning "split mind") is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental disorder characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifest as auditory hallucinations and paranoid or bizarre delusions, and by significant social or occupational dysfunction. Onset of symptoms typically occurs in young adulthood, with 0.5–1.0% of the population affected. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists.