What is schizophrenia?Schizophrenia today refers to “a psychotic mental illness characterized by a distorted view of the real world, by a considerably reduced capacity to carry out daily tasks; behaving or acting, thinking, or feeling abnormal” (Merriam-Webster). However, a little over a century ago, it was named by Paul Eugen Bleuler, from the Greek words "schizien" and "phren" which together mean divided mind (Merriam-Webster) (Burton). He didn't mean split personality disorder, which is a whole other illness. Many people interchange these terms, but it is incorrect. The original name “dementia praecox” was created by a German doctor named Emil Kraepelin (Burton). Schizophrenia had many names before it was referred to as the current one because people didn't understand exactly what it was, so it was difficult to name it. The Germans thought it was a disease similar to what we today call Tay-Sachs, appearing in young children and stopping brain development. Bleuler discovered that it was exactly the opposite; instead of slowing development causing a regression, the patient reaches a higher level of consciousness than normal (Burton). What are the causes of this disease? Etiology is the study of the causes and origins of diseases (Merriam-Webster). Most etiologists believe that schizophrenia is caused by a chemical imbalance, but that it can be hereditary. There is not a single genetic mutation that causes this disease (Searing). This imbalance causes impaired brain function, which causes certain delusions and other symptoms that will be discussed later in the document. How prevalent is it? There is no particular prevalence when it comes to who has schizophrenia, all races and both sexes are equally capable of d...... middle of paper ...... the most famous artists in the world. He fought many demons and was said to use them to create masterpieces. It's important to try to succeed and not fall into a downward spiral. Staying positive can do more than various medications.BibliographyBurton, Neel. “A Brief History of Schizophrenia.” September 8, 2012. Psychology today. 17 12 2013. “Chapter 5.” Brand. The Holy Bible (KJV). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988. 1501-1502. Merriam-Webster. "Aetiology". Merriam Webster. Webster's New Dictionary of the English Language. New York: Popuar Publishing Company, 2001. 178. Merriam-Webster. "Schizophrenia." Webster's New Dictionary of the English Language. New York: People's Publishing Company, 2001. 466.MB. The rise and fall of the prefrontal lobotomy. July 24, 2007. 19 12 2013. Spearing, Melissa K. Overview of Schizophrenia. 1999. 16 12 2013.