What is schizophrenia?
When someone cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is imaginary, they may be described as having a 'psychotic' illness. The most common type of psychosis is schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is different for each person, but usually involves a dramatic disturbance in thoughts and feelings and results in behaviour that may seem odd to other people. Some people hear voices, others see things which are not there, or feel they are being persecuted.
Some people only experience one episode of psychosis and some recover from schizophrenia. For others, schizophrenia is a long-term illness but a combination of medication (drugs) and talking therapies can help to control it and help you get on with your life.