"Prodromal" indicates the period when you are beginning to develop an illness. You don't feel normal, but you don't quite feel sick, either. Normally associated with physical illness, such as the flu, prodromal has been attached to a syndrome that is often the predecessor of schizophrenia. Unlike the typical use of "prodromal," patients with prodromal schizophrenia do not always go on to develop full-blown schizophrenia, a serious psychotic illness. Various diagnostic tests and treatments exist, and immediate mental health care should be sought if these symptoms are noted in a child or adult.
Hallucinations
According to the Associated Press article "Schizophrenia's Early Signs Studied in Hopes of Stopping It," published July 28, 2009, in "USA Today," symptoms during prodromal schizophrenia may include visual and auditory hallucinations. However, the sufferer understands that what he is seeing or hearing is not real, unlike what occurs with full-blown schizophrenia. Shadows may turn into crouching figures, or voices may begin speaking while she is listening to something else. Strange, recurring, soft noises are common also. The article further states that these symptoms may be incredibly subtle, such as believing that sunlight is brighter than it used to be.
Strange Thoughts
The article "Risk and Protection in Prodromal Schizophrenia," printed in "Schizophrenia Bulletin" in January 2006, describes thought disorder as one noted symptom of prodromal schizophrenia. These disordered thoughts may include the belief that one is special or can read the minds of others.
Suspiciousness
Growing suspiciousness is a another warning sign of prodromal schizophrenia. The sufferer may feel she is being followed or sabotaged by an unknown person, or she may become suspicious of her boss, the government, her family, her roommate or neighbors. She may feel the government is out to get her. Common suspicions have spying themes, such as being monitored for the CIA, or themes relative to being poisoned or attacked. This suspiciousness is more of a nagging, uneasy feeling than the paranoia of full-blown schizophrenia.
Functional Decline
Prior to full-blown schizophrenia, the sufferer may exhibit a functional decline that is noticeable to friends and loved ones. Attention to appearance may fall, and he may stop socializing or engaging in activities that are optional, such as recreation. He may seem as if his mind is somewhere else and forget things he is told. His concentration may become altered.
