Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms of Schizophrenia Related Information:

Schizophrenia is very serious mental illness in that it is chronic and disabling. It affects both males and females, but males in their twenties to early thirties are more commonly affected. There are many symptoms of the diseases, some of them even terrifying to the person with the disease and others around them.

One of the most common symptoms seen in individuals affected by this illness is that their perception of reality is disturbed. They often live in a world where they feel that there are plots against them and may feel nervous, scared and confused. They may behave very differently at different times sometimes seeming distant or preoccupied while at other times seem busy and very alert.

Hallucinations and illusions are very common symptoms of schizophrenics. Hallucinations can occur in any form including auditory, visual, touch, taste, or smell. Hearing voices is the most common hallucination and these voices may carry on a conversation, threaten, or even issue commands to the person. Illusions occur when present stimulus is incorrectly interpreted.

Delusions often occur and may take on many different themes. They often believe that they are being cheated, poisoned, or conspired against. They may even feel that someone close to them is a victim of these conspiracies. Delusions of grandeur may also occur where the person suffering from the disease believes himeself/herself to be a celebrity or other important figure. Delusions can also be quite bizarre with such ideas as television directing special messages to them.

Disordered thinking can also occur, causing thoughts to come and go rapidly. They are unable to concentrate for a very long time and may easily be distracted. They may lack emotional expression and have diminished facial expressions. Motivation can drastically decrease as well as enjoyment of life, even to the point of neglecting personal hygiene.

It is important not to quickly diagnose someone with one of these symptoms as schizophrenic. Just as individuals with the disease can act very normally at sometimes, unaffected individuals can also display symptoms. People may often get distracted or anxious, but it is important not to diagnose too quickly.