Schizophrenia and treatmentSchizophrenia; those affected by this disorder distance themselves from reality and, at the same time, distance themselves from who they have been all their lives. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by disturbances of emotions, behavior and thinking. The term psychotic refers to symptoms that indicate an impairment of the patient's ability to understand reality. This includes delusions and hallucinations. A delusion is a key example of an abnormal thought process in schizophrenia. Delusions are beliefs that are in conflict with reality and are tenaciously held, despite the contrary. There are various types of delusions; such as the illusion of control which is the illusion that one's thoughts, feelings and actions are not one's own but are imposed by someone else or some other external force. Another delusion is the delusion of grandeur, which is a person's belief that they are famous, a powerful entity, omnipotent, and/or a person of high status, despite evidence to the contrary. Persecutory delusions refer to false beliefs or perceptions in which a person believes they are being treated with cruel intent, hostility, or harassment. Hallucinations are things that others cannot see, hear, smell and/or feel. Many people with this disorder tend to hear voices; this is the most common type of hallucination in schizophrenia. These voices can influence the person to do something, tell them about their behavior, or warn them of imminent danger. In some cases voices can even communicate. People with schizophrenia can suffer from it long before family or friends realize it. Other types of hallucinations include odors that no one else can smell,...... middle of paper...... ophrenia seems different from that of healthy people. For example, the fluid-filled cavities in the center of the brain, called ventricles, appear larger in some patients with schizophrenia. These brains also tend to have less gray matter, and some areas of the brain may have unequal activity. Studies have revealed differences in the brain tissue of subjects with schizophrenia after death. Some of these findings involve changes in the distribution or characteristics of brain cells that likely occurred before birth. Some experts believe that problems during brain development before birth can lead to faulty connections. The problem may not be apparent in a person until puberty. The brain experiences major changes during puberty, and these changes could cause psychotic symptoms. Scientists have discovered a lot about schizophrenia, but more research is needed to explain how it develops.