Schizophrenia
A chronic brain disorder marked by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior, and negative symptoms for ≥6 months.
Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)
Biological: Dopamine hypothesis, structural brain abnormalities, strong genetic loading.
Psychological: Cognitive deficits, poor insight, early trauma.
Social: Urban upbringing, cannabis use, high expressed emotion in family.
Symptoms & Diagnosis (Mnemonic: D-HAND)
- D - Delusions
- H - Hallucinations
- A - Affective flattening (negative symptoms)
- N - Non-goal-directed (disorganized speech)
- D - Disorganized/catatonic behavior
- Duration ≥6 months, with ≥1 month of active symptoms
Treatment
Antipsychotics: First- or second-generation.
Psychosocial rehab, CBT for psychosis.
Family education and support services.
Info
DSM-5-TR Code
F20.9
Prevalence
0.3–0.7% worldwide; slightly more in males with earlier onset.