F20-F29: Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders
F20: Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder that mainly affects the brain's function. It typically presents with an array of symptoms that can impact thinking, behavior, emotions, and the perception of reality. Symptoms may include hallucinations, such as hearing voices, delusions, thought disorders, and unusual or dysfunctional ways of thinking. Other symptoms may be movement disorders and reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life. It's worth noting that the symptoms and their severity can differ significantly from person to person. The exact cause of schizophrenia remains unknown, although a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and structure, and environmental factors appear to influence the risk of developing the disorder. Schizophrenia is not contagious or directly transmittable. Its onset is commonly in late adolescence or early adulthood, and in most cases, it is a lifelong condition with periods of symptomatic episodes and remission.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.