many people have experienced symptoms of schizophrenia but aren't entirely sure of what it is. portrayed in movie's like A Beautiful mind and Pi or Cybil, there is often a misconception of what schizophrenia really is. most people view people who have this disease as simply crazy. sadly there is a lot of negative stigma surrounding this condition simply for the reason that it is one that many people do not understand.
according to the national institute of mental health, Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others...

more can be learned about it by going to these websites:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/schizophrenia.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia\

http://www.medicinenet.com/schizophrenia/article.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/schizophrenia/article_em.htm