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factor that causes schizophrenia. Instead, a number of factors probably combine to cause the disorder. (Chapter two will discuss possible causes in more detail.) What Is Going Wrong? Everything you see, hear, and feel is sorted and understood by your brain. If you hear a chirping noise, you understand that a bird is outside your window. You don’t need to actually see the bird, but you know that the bird is there. That’s because your brain recognizes patterns: You’ve heard chirping birds before, and this sound is like those other sounds. Or let’s say you are in class. Your teacher speaks, and you hear the words she says. You understand from what you hear

Many people with schizophrenia hear threatening noises or voices.