Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disabling, chronic, and severe mental illness that affects more than 2 million Americans age 18 and over. Symptoms include hearing internal voices, thinking that other people are reading one's mind, controlling one's thoughts, or plotting harm, which may leave a person feeling fearful and withdrawn. Their disorganized behavior can be perceived as incomprehensible or frightening.

Regardless of available treatments that can relieve many problems associated with the illness, most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer some symptoms throughout life. No more than one in five people recovers completely. Schizophrenia affects men and women equally and usually appears by late adolescence or early adulthood. Women may not display symptoms until their late 20s or early 30s.