Schizophrenia Symptoms

Early warning signs of schizophrenia:

• Social withdrawal
• Hostility or suspiciousness
• Deterioration of personal hygiene
• Flat, expressionless gaze
• Inability to cry or express joy
• Inappropriate laughter or crying
• Depression
• Oversleeping or insomnia
• Odd or irrational statements
• Forgetful; unable to concentrate
• Extreme reaction to criticism
• Strange use of words or way of speaking

Delusions are an occurrence of schizophrenia 

• Delusions of persecution –“they,” are out to get him or her/ involve bizarre ideas and plots
• Delusions of reference – neutral environmental event is believed to have a special/ personal meaning. 
• Delusions of grandeur – Belief that one is a famous or important figure/ belief that one has unusual powers that no one else has.
• Delusions of control – Belief that one’s thoughts or actions are being controlled by outside, alien forces.

Abnormal speech patterns also occur. 

• Loose associations – Rapidly shifting from topic to topic, with no connection of thought.
• Neologisms – Made-up words or phrases that only have meaning to the patient.
• Perseveration – Repetition of words and statements.
• Clang – Meaningless use of rhyming words.

Abnormal Behavior.

• A decline in overall daily functioning
• Unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses
• Behaviors that appear bizarre/have no purpose
• Lack of inhibition/impulse control

• Lack of emotional expression – Inexpressive face, including a flat voice, lack of eye contact, and blank or restricted facial expressions.
• Lack of interest or enthusiasm – Problems with motivation; lack of self-care.
• Seeming lack of interest in the world – Apparent unawareness of the environment; social withdrawal.
• Speech difficulties and abnormalities – Inability to carry a conversation; short and sometimes disconnected replies to questions; speaking in monotone.

Effects of schizophrenia

• Relationship problems. Withdraw and isolate themselves. Paranoia can also cause a person with schizophrenia to be suspicious of friends and family.
• Disruption to normal daily activities. Disruptions to daily functioning- everyday tasks become hard/impossible to do. Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts typically prevent him or her from doing normal things like bathing, eating, or running errands.
• Alcohol and drug abuse. 
• Increased suicide risk.Any suicidal talk, threats, or gestures /People with schizophrenia are especially likely to commit suicide during psychotic episodes, during periods of depression, and in the first six months after they’ve started treatment.

Criteria to diagnose schizophrenia

• The presence of two or more of the following symptoms for at least 30 days:
  1. Hallucinations
  2. Delusions
  3. Disorganized speech
  4. Disorganized or catatonic behavior
  5. Negative symptoms (emotional flatness, apathy, lack of speech)
• Significant problems functioning at work or school, relating to other people, and taking care of oneself.

* this information is from helpguide http://www.helpguide.org/articles/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-signs-types-and-causes.htm