Schizophrenia is mental disorder that results in delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior and thinking. People with schizophrenia are incapable of recognizing reality and have extreme difficulty with daily functioning, according to the Mayo Clinic, but medication and treatment can help manage this disorder and allow these people to go on to lead satisfying, productive lives. Recognizing common symptoms of schizophrenia can aid in earlier detection of the disorder, which may allow for earlier intervention and treatment.
Delusions
A delusion is when a person gives unusual importance or meaning to situations or maintaining false personal beliefs about themselves or others, according to Schizophrenia.com. There are many types of delusions. Delusions of reference involve a person believing ordinary events or objects have a meaning that specifically relates to him alone. Delusions of grandeur involve a person believing she is a celebrity or famous person, or that she has extraordinary abilities or powers, Delusions of control involve the person believing outside forces are controlling his actions or thoughts, while delusions of persecution involve the person believing other people are trying to do him harm. Delusions are the most common symptom of schizophrenia, occurring in more than 90 percent of cases, according to HelpGuide.org,
Hallucinations
A hallucination is when a person believes a real experience is occurring when it actually only exists in the person's mind. Hallucinations involving voices or sounds are most common, according to HelpGuide.org, but visual hallucinations also occur frequently in people with schizophrenia. However, a hallucination can also include smells, tastes and physical touch as well.
Disorganized Speech
Because people with schizophrenia have difficulty concentrating on just one thought, their speech is typically disorganized and unusual. Switching quickly from one topic to another, speaking sentences with seemingly no connection between them, using made-up words or phrases, saying the same thing over and over and frequent rhyming are some common characteristics of the speech of schizophrenics, according to HelpGuide.org.
Disorganized Behavior
Schizophrenics have difficulty taking care of themselves, holding a job or interacting appropriately with others, according to HelpGuide.org. Their behavior typically seems inappropriate, bizarre or unpredictable, and they typically have great difficulty controlling their impulses.
Negative Symptoms
Although many people mistake the term "negative symptoms" to mean unpleasant or adverse symptoms, in this case the term refers to the lack of characteristics present in mentally healthy individuals. People with schizophrenia are not emotionally expressive, do not make eye contact, do not have interest or enthusiasm for achieving goals, do not have good hygiene or self-care, are not able to carry on a coherent conversation and seem to be completely unaware of their environment or surroundings, according to Schizophrenia.com.
