Schizophrenia
Symptoms:
Delusions. This is when people believe in things that aren't real. For example, individuals with schizophrenia might think they are in danger when they’re not. They may believe others are making comments about them or that they are famous or talented when they are not. They might also feel that a big disaster is coming when it isn't. Most people with schizophrenia experience these false beliefs.
Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that other people don't observe. For people with schizophrenia, these things seem real. Hallucinations can occur with any of the senses, but hearing voices is most common.
Disorganized speech and thinking. Disorganized speech leads to disorganized thinking. People with schizophrenia may struggle to communicate. Their answers may not connect to the questions, or they might not answer completely. Occasionally, their speech can consist of random words thrown together, making it hard to understand. This is sometimes called "word salad."
Extremely disorganized or unusual motor behavior.This can appear in various ways, from playful silliness to sudden agitation. Their behavior lacks direction, making it difficult to complete tasks. People with schizophrenia might resist following instructions. They may move in unusual ways or not move at all and may not respond as expected in social situations.
Negative symptoms: People with schizophrenia may struggle to function as they did before their illness. They might not bathe, make eye contact, or express emotions. They may talk in a flat voice and find it hard to feel joy. Additionally, they might lose interest in daily activities, isolate themselves, and have difficulty planning for the future.
Facts:
People with schizophrenia usually are diagnosed in the late teen years to early 30s.
In men, schizophrenia symptoms usually start in the late teens to early 20s.
In women, symptoms usually begin in the late 20s to early 30s.
There also is a group of people — usually women — who are diagnosed later in life.
It isn't common for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
“Changes in certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may play a part in schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show changes in the brain structure and central nervous systems of people with schizophrenia. While researchers haven’t yet been able to apply these findings to new treatments, the findings show that schizophrenia is a brain disease.”
Information obtained from Mayo Clinic (2024)