How To Identify Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects approximately 1% of the population. As a psychotic disorder, schizophrenia is defined by a person’s inability to distinguish reality from fantasy. It affects their behavior, thought patterns, and beliefs.
The early signs of schizophrenia typically happen in the teen years. Because many of these signs are similar to normal teen behavior, they can be difficult to detect. Although some signs may show up before age 16, they usually become noticeable between 16 and 30, and men often show them earlier than women. The signs can come on very rapidly or over a period of years (insidious onset).
Below, we have listed some early warning signs of schizophrenia. It is important to note two things: 1) this list is not inclusive of all signs of schizophrenia, and 2) the signs on this list are not always indicative of schizophrenia. When seen in a cluster, these signs may be warnings signs of schizophrenia, but only a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist can properly diagnose it.
Physical warning signs of schizophrenia
- Blank, vacant facial expression
- Overly acute senses (too loud, too bright)
- Involuntary movements of tongue or mouth
- Clumsy motor skills
Emotional warning signs of schizophrenia
- Inability to express joy or pleasure
- Sometimes feeling nothing at all
- Feelings of indifference and detachment
- Hypersensitivity to criticism
Mood warning signs of schizophrenia
- Sudden irritability, anger, hostility, resentment
- Depression, discouragement, hopelessness
- Low motivation
- Severe anxiety
Behavior warning signs of schizophrenia
- Social isolation
- Catatonia, staying in the same rigid position for hours
- Replaying or rehearsing conversations out loud
- Neglect in self-care (hygiene, etc.)
Cognitive warning signs of schizophrenia
- Poor concentration, memory
- Nonsensical logic, disorganized speech
- Difficulty understanding simple things
- Trouble interpreting social cues (body language, voice tone, etc.)
Examples of schizophrenic delusions
- Intense feeling that people are looking at you, talking about you
- Intense feeling that you’re being watched, followed, spied on
- Religious delusions that you are God, Jesus, a prophet, the antichrist
- Delusions that you have an important mission, or are an unrecognized genius
Examples of schizophrenic hallucinations
- Internal voices
- External voices (from real people or no particular source)
- Sounds
- Visual hallucinations
Schizophrenia is treatable
If you think a loved one has schizophrenia, the best way to show your support is by helping that person get evaluated and treated. At Synergy Research Centers in San Diego, we’re currently enrolling participants 18 and over for an inpatient clinical research study on schizophrenia in San Diego. Transportation may be available, and all qualified participants will receive a stipend at the end of each scheduled visit.