SCHIZOPHRENIA IS A severe, often chronic brain disease that can make a person unable to function at work or school, maintain interpersonal relationships, and even take adequate care of her personal needs. This major change is the result of a disruption in basic brain function, which leads to loss of touch with reality. It includes psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and bizarre, disorganized behavior. The brain dysfunction may also lead to impaired thinking, blunted emotions, and loss of motivation, interest, or pleasure. Together, these effects of the disease make successful social interactions difficult or impossible.