Final answer:
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder causing hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive challenges, affecting about 1% of Americans. It's related to brain neurotransmitter imbalances and is managed with lifelong antipsychotic medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition characterized by a range of psychological symptoms, which can include hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairments. It affects about 1% of the population in the United States and is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. The condition is thought to be associated with dopamine and glutamate signaling dysfunction in the brain. Treatment typically involves antipsychotic medications, which can ameliorate symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors, but these medications do not cure schizophrenia and must be taken long term.