Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder. It’s characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, behavior and sense of self. Recognizing the symptoms of schizophrenia is crucial: It’s the first step towards seeking help and managing the serious mental health disorder.
Whether you’re seeking information for personal knowledge, academic research, or suspecting symptoms in yourself or someone else, now is the time to do your research.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder. According to the World Health Organization it affects about .32% of the population worldwide.
The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. However, it’s believed to be a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes Of Health, schizophrenia typically develops in males 3-4 years earlier than females.
Positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is characterized by a complex array of symptoms. These symptoms are typically categorized into three types: positive, negative and cognitive.
- Positive symptoms. “Positive” symptoms aren’t really positive – they’re symptoms that healthy adults don’t normally experience – but they’re present in schizophrenics. Hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders and movement disorders can be common.
- Negative symptoms. Negative symptoms are associated with serious disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors. Reduced feelings of pleasure, difficulty sustaining normal activities or reduced speaking ability are signs.
- Cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms involve problems with attention and memory, plus the executive functions that allow patients to plan and organize.
Positive symptoms: hallucinations and delusions
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are perhaps the most recognized and include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing people who are not there.
Delusions, on the other hand, are false beliefs the patient has despite evidence to the contrary. For example, a person with schizophrenia might believe that they’re being watched or that they have special superpowers.
Negative symptoms: emotional and social withdrawal
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia can be just as disruptive as positive symptoms. They’re often associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors.
For instance, people with schizophrenia may show reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life. They may also have difficulty beginning and sustaining activities, or they may speak much less than other people.
Cognitive symptoms: impaired thought processes
Cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia involve problems with thought processes. These can include issues with attention, memory and the executive functions that allow people to plan and organize.
For example, a person with schizophrenia may have difficulty focusing on a task or remembering recent events. They may also struggle with tasks that require planning, decision-making or problem-solving.
Early Schizophrenia Signs and Phases
According to the National Institute of Mental Health schizophrenia is typically diagnosed between the ages of 16 to 30. It often starts with early signs that may seem peculiar. Early signs can include social withdrawal, hostility or suspiciousness, deterioration of personal hygiene, a flat or expressionless gaze and the inability to cry or express joy.
The development of schizophrenia is generally divided into three phases: prodromal, acute and recovery.
- Prodromal – early signs begin to emerge.
- Acute – severe symptoms appear, leading to diagnosis
- Recovery – symptoms ease and the focus shifts to rehabilitation
Prodromal phase
The prodromal phase of schizophrenia is the initial stage. First signs of schizophrenia begin to emerge and the person can seem “off” to friends and loved ones.
Acute phase
The acute phase is characterized by the presence of more severe signs that very often lead to diagnosis. During this phase, the person may require hospitalization to ensure their safety and to stabilize serious symptoms.
Recovery phase
The recovery phase involves a reduction in symptoms and a focus on rehabilitation. It can vary greatly among different people. Some may experience a significant reduction in symptoms, while others may continue to experience them for longer.
5 Main Types of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. There are several types of schizophrenia, each with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. Recognizing the type of schizophrenia can help guide the treatment plan and provide a better prognosis.
Types of schizophrenia:
- Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by distrustful, suspicious delusions and auditory hallucinations.
- Disorganized schizophrenia is marked by disorganized speech and flat behavior, as well as inappropriate emotions.
- Catatonic schizophrenia is a rare, severe mental disorder characterized by a range of abnormal motor functions like agitation and hyperactivity.
- Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a broad category for those who do not fit into the first three types.
- Residual schizophrenia is the term used for patients who’ve had at least one episode of schizophrenia but no longer display prominent symptoms.
Is schizophrenia hereditary?
The question of whether schizophrenia is hereditary is complicated. While genetics do play a role in development of the disorder, it’s not as simple as inheriting a single gene. While schizophrenia can run in families, it’s not solely a hereditary condition. A combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to its onset.
Research suggests that people with a family member who has schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder. However, having a relative with schizophrenia does not guarantee that they will develop it. It’s a complex interplay of genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors.
Treatment options and therapy for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition but it can be managed with the right treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.
Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves a combination of medication, therapy and support services. It’s important to note that what works for one person may not work for another and treatment plans should be tailored to the person’s needs.
Schizophrenia medications
Antipsychotic medications are often the first line of treatment for schizophrenia. These medications can help manage the most troubling symptoms of the disorder, such as hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders.
However, like all medications, antipsychotics can have side effects. It’s important for the patient to work closely with their healthcare provider to find the medication that works best for them.
Schizophrenia therapies
In addition to medication, therapy can be a crucial part of treatment for schizophrenia. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help people manage their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.
Psychoeducation
Another form of therapy, psychoeducation programs can help patients and families understand the illness and manage it more effectively. This can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Lifestyle changes that may help schizophrenia
Managing schizophrenia involves more than just medication and therapy. Lifestyle changes and support from loved ones can also play a crucial role in managing the disorder. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help patients manage the side effects of schizophrenia:
- Regular moderate , exercise
- A healthy diet
- Stress management techniques (meditation)
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Strong support networks
Family and support groups can also be invaluable for those with schizophrenia. Having a strong social network can help the patient feel understood and less isolated. Regular follow-ups with mental health professionals are also important to adjust treatment plans as needed.
Understanding the symptoms of schizophrenia is the first step in seeking help and beginning the journey toward managing the disorder. Education about schizophrenia can empower patients and their loved ones to take an active role in treatment and recovery.
Contact us
Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center has a staff of highly trained psychiatrists and clinicians to offer help for schizophrenia. Call 954-734-2001 for information or complete the form to schedule a no-cost assessment. Licensed mental health professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.
