Schizophrenia is a long-lasting and serious mental illness that impacts a person's thoughts, emotions, and actions. Individuals with schizophrenia may appear disconnected from reality, causing distress for themselves and those close to them. This disorder is typically identified by a mix of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, confusion in thinking, and cognitive impairments. It's crucial to understand that schizophrenia should not be confused with dissociative identity disorder, as they are different conditions. Schizophrenia is a distinct mental health issue that needs to be accurately diagnosed and treated.