Meaning & Definition of word "Schizophrenia"

noun:

• 1. A severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self, often manifesting through psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.
  • Example: The diagnosis of schizophrenia can be challenging due to the complex presentation of symptoms.
• 2. A condition often marked by episodes of psychosis, used to describe a spectrum of related disorders that affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
  • Example: Research suggests that early intervention can improve outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.
• 3. In psychiatry, schizophrenia includes a range of subtypes and is classified in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5.
  • Example: The patient was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia due to the presence of delusions and auditory hallucinations.
• 4. A term sometimes used metaphorically in popular culture to describe a conflict or division in a person's thoughts or identity.
  • Example: The author used schizophrenia as a metaphor for the struggle between one's aspirations and their reality.