Schizophrenia
An illness in which a person's assessment of reality is disturbed: they perceive things that are not there, believe in them and shape their life around them. Thoughts of being followed, of being harmed or of a conspiracy against them may arise. Perceptions that have no source, such as hearing voices or seeing images, also occur. It is a persistent condition whose symptoms can be severe enough to prevent daily life. As a chronic illness, medication has a central place in its treatment. Good communication between the patient, the family and the doctor, trust in the doctor, and clear information and guidance about the illness all matter for staying with the treatment.
Brief psychotic episode
Episodes with symptoms resembling those of schizophrenia, but lasting less than a month. They are most often seen after periods of great pressure, usually adverse but sometimes positive. Because the diagnosis applies only when symptoms do not last longer than a month, it is largely decided through follow-up. Treatment begins with medication and continues, as the person recovers, with sessions that strengthen their ability to cope with stress.
Schizoaffective disorder
An illness in which the symptoms of schizophrenia and of bipolar disorder appear together. Disturbances of thought and perception are continuous, with depressive and manic episodes in between. It affects daily life seriously and requires medication.