Symptoms tend to start between the late teens and mid-30s. It can happen in children, but it is rare. They may be noticed by the person who has problems or those close to them. They often vague but can follow a pattern. The phases are:
Prodrome
There may be no symptoms at this stage. In those that have them, there may be:
Changes in behavior such as angry outbursts
Less grooming or hygiene
Trouble thinking clearly or remembering things
Trouble at work or school
Less interest in social life, activities, or hobbies
Symptoms build slowly and worsen over time. They are different for each person. People may have symptoms from one or all of the next phases:
Positive
These are psychotic symptoms. People in this phase lose touch with reality. They may have:
Delusions—False personal beliefs that are held onto even though it is clearly not true. They are often strange and do not make sense. There are different types of delusions based on what the person thinks is happening.
Hallucinations—Seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, or smelling things that are not there. Hearing voices that other people do not hear is the most common type. Voices may describe the person’s activities, carry on a conversation, warn of impending dangers, or even issue orders.
Disorganized thinking and speech—Thoughts may come and go rapidly. They be easily distracted or unable to focus. Their thoughts are often fragmented and do not make sense. When speaking, the words may be made up or repeated. It may be impossible to follow a conversation.
Movements that seem agitated or tense for no reason.
Catatonia—Slow or absent movement. People can stay still for hours. They may also resist being changed into another position. Some can have repeated odd movements.
Schizophrenia. Mental Health America website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed August 15, 2019.
Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml. Updated February 2016. Accessed August 15, 2019.
Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 8/15/2019
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