Schizophrenia By Carol Tamminga, MD, UT Southwestern Medical Dallas Reviewed / Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Key Points More Information Topic Resources Overview of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is characterized by psychosis (loss of contact with reality), hallucinations (false perceptions), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized speech and behavior, flattened affect (restricted range of emotions), cognitive deficits (impaired reasoning and problem solving), and occupational and social dysfunction.