Learn to Recognize the Onset of Schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia can seem peculiar to people who observe them.
The lack of insight can make schizophrenia very frustrating and frightening for loved ones.
These symptoms may come and go episodically.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Positive Symptoms
Symptoms of schizophrenia are referred to as positive or negative.
Hallucinations
Hallucinationsare false sensory experiences that have no basis in the external world.
Psychotic hallucinations occur when the person is fully awake and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Disorganized Speech
Disorganized speech is also known as “loose association.”
It can be difficult or impossible to understand.
Disorganized Behavior
Disorganized behaviors for someone with schizophrenia are not goal-directed and dont make sense in context.
Laughing at inappropriate times or for no reason is a disorganized behavior.
Adopting strange postures or freezing can be examples ofcatatonic behaviors.
This means that the person is experiencing anabsence or reduction ofcertain traits typically present in healthier individuals.
They show little response to emotional or disturbing situations or images.
This change tends to be quite noticeable by others around them and is not simply a change in interests.
Reduced Speech
A negative symptom of schizophrenia can involve someone speaking noticeably less than they used to.
This particular symptom could also be observed as someone speaking less fluently than before.
Lack of Initiative
The loss of will to do things is a negative symptom of schizophrenia.
Remember that a negative symptom refers to a characteristic that seems to be lessening or disappearing from the person.
Loss of motivation and initiative, also known asavolition, is a common negative symptom.
It is important to recognize that this is not the case.
Having schizophrenia does not mean that a person is violent or dangerous.
While the condition is chronic, it can be managed effectively with medications, therapy, and support.
The person experiences significant problems with work and social functioning as a result of their symptoms.
A clinician will not rely on limited pieces of information or only on self-reports from the client.
Family and close friends may also be interviewed to help provide helpful collateral information.
Closely Related Conditions
Schizophrenia is a complex diagnosis with a lot of symptoms and variables to consider.
What makes things more complicated is that there are also several closely related conditions that involve psychosis.
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People may experience such symptoms for years before the condition becomes apparent.
Schizophrenia is a chronic, lifelong condition without a known cure at this time.
Noticing that a pattern has developed can be a signal to consult with a professional.
This can be particularly tough for people experiencing symptoms that leave them feeling suspicious of others.
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