Schizophrenia by definition is a chronic brain disorder that have a multitude of symptoms. Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, lethargic thinking process, disorganized speech, confusing thoughts and lack of motivation. Our brain has the ability to interpret reality the way it is in order for us to function properly but a patient suffering from schizophrenia does not have that luxury. Their brain interprets reality in a distorted or abnormal fashion which can lead to disordered behavior as well as disability.

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Symptoms:

The treatment of schizophrenia is not easy and is a life time deal. However, early detection and treatment can prevent it from becoming so. For the early detection there are signs and symptoms people need to look out for:

Delusions

These are false beliefs that are not based on reality. For example, you think that you're being harmed or harassed.

Hallucinations

These include visual and auditory inputs that only the person suffering from the disorder can experience. They are so real and impactful that the patient has no choice or doubt in accepting their authenticity. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination.

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Disorganized thinking (speech)

Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless words that can't be understood, sometimes known as word salad.

Extremely disorganized behavior

This may show in a number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behavior isn't focused on a goal, so it's hard to do tasks. Behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.

Negative symptoms

This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion (doesn't make eye contact, doesn't change facial expressions or speaks in a monotone). Also, the person may lose interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.

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Causes:

Experts believe that schizophrenia may be caused by a combination of different factors like genetics, chemicals like dopamine and glutamate, and environmental factors.

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Consequences:

If left untreated schizophrenia can cause a lot of life threatening and life altering problems like suicidal tendencies, depression, anxiety, OCD, social isolation, inability to function in society, academic and financial incompetence.
Although the main and definitive cause of schizophrenia is still not confirmed, experts were able to draft a list of patterns or common factors found in most of the patients which include:
•Family history
•Complications during birth i.e immature brain development, exposure to harmful chemicals etc.
•Consummation of brain altering or heavy drugs during teenage years.

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People suffering from schizophrenia require patience and support from their loved ones during both through their symptoms and lifelong treatment. Professional help and medical intervention at the right time is necessary. Patients tend to withdraw socially and are prone to isolating themselves. This leads to them not getting the help they need.
Study of schizophrenia is still ongoing because of its rarity as it only affects about 1% of population