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What are the Most Common Signs of Schizophrenia?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Schizophrenia is a brain condition marked by abnormal thinking and emotions. There are many signs a person may exhibit when he has schizophrenia. Among the most common are delusions, hallucinations, erratic behaviors, and changes in speech and thought. Loss of interest in normal activities and self-care is also among the most common signs of schizophrenia. Additionally, a person with this condition may have trouble providing for his own daily needs.

One of the most common signs of schizophrenia is a loss of touch with reality. A person who has schizophrenia often begins to hallucinate and have delusions in which he misinterprets reality. This means he may see things that aren’t there or hear things that haven’t made a sound. In many cases, a person who has these symptoms will feel upset because of the delusions or become frightened by the things he thinks he sees or hears.

Schizophrenia can make someone appear emotionless.
Schizophrenia can make someone appear emotionless.

Changes in thought and speech patterns are also among the most common signs of schizophrenia. A person with this condition may have difficulty organizing his thoughts in a way that makes sense. He may also have a hard time speaking in a normal fashion. For example, a person who exhibits this symptom of schizophrenia may make sentences out of words that don’t make sense together. He may stop speaking in the middle of verbalizing a thought as well.

Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.
Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.

A person who has schizophrenia may also have problems with processing information. For example, he may have a difficult time making sense of conversations. In some cases, a person with this condition may also find it hard to focus. Likewise, memory problems are also among the most common signs of schizophrenia.

Changes in normal function are also common in people with schizophrenia. For example, one of the signs of schizophrenia is losing interest in activities. A person with this condition may lose motivation to keep up with normal pursuits and may withdraw from others socially. Sometimes a person with this condition will also seem emotionless or unresponsive. Additionally, an individual suffering from this brain disorder may even begin to neglect personal care tasks such as showering or combing his hair.

Halluncinations, auditory delusions and social withdrawal are symptoms of schizophrenia.
Halluncinations, auditory delusions and social withdrawal are symptoms of schizophrenia.

Often, an individual who exhibits signs of schizophrenia will also have problems with planning activities and keeping himself safe. For example, he may be unable to work and pay for food and shelter. Eventually, he may be unable to prepare food on his own as well. In fact, a person with this brain disorder may even lose interest in eating.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Schizophrenia can make someone appear emotionless.
      By: Forgiss
      Schizophrenia can make someone appear emotionless.
    • Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.
      By: fasphotographic
      Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.
    • Halluncinations, auditory delusions and social withdrawal are symptoms of schizophrenia.
      By: sebra
      Halluncinations, auditory delusions and social withdrawal are symptoms of schizophrenia.
    • Individuals suffering from schizophrenia may be prone to wandering.
      By: Petr Nad
      Individuals suffering from schizophrenia may be prone to wandering.
    • Someone dealing with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations and violent behavior.
      By: Anatoly Tiplyashin
      Someone dealing with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations and violent behavior.
    • Patients suffering from schizophrenia may hear things that others do not.
      By: Gina Sanders
      Patients suffering from schizophrenia may hear things that others do not.