Schizophrenia Meaning and Definition
Schizophrenia
Pronunciation
/ˌskɪtsəˈdrɛniə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Characterized by distortions in thought, perception, and behavior, often with hallucinations and delusions.
Etymology
The word Schizophrenia comes from the Greek words “schizein”, meaning “to divide”, and “phren”, meaning “mind”.
Usage Notes
Schizophrenia is typically considered a serious mental illness that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. Avoid using stigmatizing language or stereotypes.
Cultural References
Schizophrenia has been portrayed in various forms of media, including films like “A Beautiful Mind” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, and in literature, such as in the novel “The Stranger” by Albert Camus.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no idiomatic expressions or phrases that exclusively feature the word Schizophrenia. However, it is often used in idiomatic expressions related to mental health, such as “mental illness” or “psychological disorder”.
Related Words or Phrases
Psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, bipolar disorder
Collocations
Schizophrenia treatment, diagnosis, symptoms, medication, therapy
Frequency of Use
Schizophrenia is a relatively uncommon term in everyday conversation, usually used by healthcare professionals, researchers, or individuals affected by the condition.
Common Misspellings
Schitzophrenia, Schizofrenia, Schizo-Phrenia
Additional Information
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide and can be treated with a combination of medication and therapy. While it can be a devastating condition, early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Schizophrenia is a complex and multifaceted condition, and it is essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding.