'schizophrenia' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'schizo' meaning 'split' and 'phren' meaning 'mind'.

'schizophrenia' was coined in the early 20th century by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, evolving from the earlier term 'dementia praecox'.

Initially, it referred to a broad category of mental disorders, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality.