What is schizophrenia?

  Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population, i.e., about 1 in 100 people may suffer from the disorder during their lifetime, so it is not a “minority”.  Although the etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, it is now accepted that schizophrenia is a brain disorder (Figure-1) in which abnormal connections in various parts of the brain network lead to abnormal processing of various information, ultimately leading to the accentuation of abnormal mental functions such as hallucinations, delusions, speech and behavior disorders, or the apparent loss of various mental functions (e.g., inability to think, inability to concentrate, emotional indifference, lack of will), rather than not demonic or demonic possession or punishment for the patient’s low morality. Thus, schizophrenia, like other physical illnesses, is a disease.  Although there is still no cure for schizophrenia, most patients can achieve great remission after a period of appropriate medication and other treatments.  Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that will progressively worsen with brain lesions if it is not treated promptly and effectively.  (Figure 1 Progression of brain lesions in schizophrenia, Insel T R. Nature,2010)