Key Features of Schizophrenia:

1. Positive Symptoms: These symptoms involve an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
   
   Hallucinations: Perceptions that occur without external stimuli, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not.
   Delusions: False beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or contrary evidence.
2. Negative Symptoms: These symptoms involve a decrease or loss of normal functioning.
   
   Flat Affect: Reduced emotional expression and responsiveness.
   Social Withdrawal: Difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships.
   Anhedonia: Reduced ability to experience pleasure.
3. Cognitive Symptoms: Impaired Memory: Difficulty recalling and organizing information.
   Poor Executive Functioning: Challenges in decision-making, planning, and organizing tasks.
4. Disorganized Symptoms: Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty connecting thoughts logically.
   Disorganized or Abnormal Motor Behavior: Unpredictable and inappropriate movements.
5. Duration and Impairment: To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, symptoms must persist for at least six months and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors:

1. Genetic Factors: There is a genetic predisposition, and individuals with a family history of schizophrenia may be at a higher risk.
2. Brain Structure and Neurotransmitters: Structural and functional abnormalities in the brain, along with imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate, are believed to contribute to schizophrenia.
3. Prenatal Factors: Exposure to certain prenatal factors, such as malnutrition, infections, or stress during pregnancy, may increase the risk.
4. Environmental Stressors: High-stress environments or exposure to traumatic events may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of symptoms.

Treatment and Management:

1. Medication: Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms. They help regulate neurotransmitter imbalances.
2. Therapy: Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals manage symptoms, improve coping skills, and address social and interpersonal challenges.
3. Supportive Services: Community support programs, vocational training, and social skills training can enhance individuals' abilities to integrate into society.
4. Hospitalization: In severe cases or during acute episodes, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety and provide intensive treatment.
5. Family Education and Support: Involving the family in the treatment process can be beneficial, helping them understand the disorder and providing support to the affected individual.

Schizophrenia is a complex and challenging condition that requires ongoing support and treatment. Early intervention, a comprehensive treatment approach, and a supportive environment can significantly improve outcomes for individuals living with schizophrenia. It's important to involve mental health professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of this disorder.