Schizophrenia and art

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder regarded as a deficit in the way reality is perceived by an affected individual, often leading to associated behavioural changes. Such individuals may experience persistent hallucinations which can affect any of the senses. Moreover, such individuals exhibit disordered thinking patterns as well as disorganised behaviour, leading to a reduced ability to carry out the activities of daily living without treatment. The causes of schizophrenia are thought to be due to both genetic and environmental factors, and onset typically starts in late adolescence or the early twenties. [excerpt]