Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating brain and behavior disorder affecting how one thinks, feels and acts. People with schizophrenia can have trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, expressing and managing normal emotions and making decisions.

What areas of the brain does schizophrenia affect?

Schizophrenia is associated with changes in the structure and functioning of a number of key brain systems, including prefrontal and medial temporal lobe regions involved in working memory and declarative memory, respectively.

Where does schizophrenia occur?

Your brain changes and develops a lot during puberty. These shifts might trigger the disease in people who are at risk for it. Some scientists believe it has to do with development in an area of the brain called the frontal cortex.