From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition:
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence and physical agitation; it is classified as a "thought" disorder while Bipolar Disorder is a "mood" disorder.

It is estimated that 1 percent of the world's population has schizophrenia. While there is evidence that genetic factors have a role in developing schizophrenia, other unknown causes play a significant part as well.

While Bipolar I Disorder may include psychotic features, Schizophrenia cannot include mood swings. Schizoaffective Disorder bridges the gap between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Pronunciation: SKITZ-oh-FREE-nee-uh, SKITZ-oh-FREN-ee-uh