Is the inability to distinguish between reality and imagination, social isolation, abandoning work, and occasional hallucinations considered a duress that removes the burden from a mentally ill person who does not regularly perform prayers?

The jurists are in agreement that intellect is the basis of religious obligation (taklif). Therefore, acts of worship are not obligatory upon one who has lost their intellect, such as the insane, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "The pen has been lifted from three: from the sleeper until he awakens, from the child until he reaches puberty, and from the insane until he regains his sanity."

Schizophrenia is a mental illness, but not every mental illness removes responsibility. This matter is referred to specialists among physicians. It appears from the questioner's condition that he is aware of matters and possesses his intellect. Thus, he is religiously obligated, and the default is to maintain this state unless proven otherwise. The questioner's description of himself as not being regular in prayer means that he prays sometimes. He needs to strive and persevere to maintain prayer. He can continue treatment and benefit from the advice of doctors, especially since schizoaffective disorder recovers faster than other types. The questioner is advised to consult the counseling section for medical benefit.