Schizophrenia Symptoms: What They Are and How to Treat Them
The Nystrom & Associates provider consulted for this article about schizophrenia symptoms is Crystal Skenandore, LPC Outpatient Therapist.
Schizophrenia is a serious, long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. People with schizophrenia may struggle to tell the difference between what is real and what isn’t. The symptoms usually show up in young adulthood, and they need to last at least six months to be diagnosed. Symptoms can appear suddenly, or they might develop slowly over time.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of schizophrenia, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Related: What Are Mental Health Days?
Schizophrenia Symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms fall into three main categories: positive, negative, and disorganized. Sometimes, the symptoms show up suddenly, but other times, they can develop slowly and seem to appear out of nowhere. It can be hard to spot the symptoms early on. Also, kids and teenagers with these behaviors might not realize there’s a problem. Everyone’s experience with schizophrenia is different, but if you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, it’s important to pay attention. If the symptoms last, it’s a good idea to reach out to a mental health professional for help.
1. Positive Symptoms
Positive symptoms are experiences that add things to a person’s life, like strange beliefs or perceptions. These include:
- Delusions: Beliefs that are not based in reality, like thinking someone is following them when they haven’t left the house.
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there, such as hearing voices or seeing people who aren’t really there.
- Paranoia: Feeling very suspicious or fearful without reason.
- Severe anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed with fear or worry.
- Confused thinking: Difficulty focusing or organizing thoughts.
- Difficulty separating dreams from reality: Believing things are real that are actually imagined.
For more information on schizophrenia causes and treatment, visit the schizophrenia specialty page.
2. Negative Symptoms
Negative schizophrenia symptoms are those that are abnormally absent. In other words, they are symptoms that take away from the individual's life. They include:
- Disconnection/lack of pleasure. For example, having no emotional expression when speaking with others or having a "blank stare."
- Absence of correct emotional responses. For instance, laughing during an inappropriate time.
- Withdrawl or isolating oneself
- Inability to speak
- Trouble staying on schedule/following through
3. Disorganized Symptoms
Disorganized speech and disorganized or catatonic behavior symptoms are characterized by:
- Trouble concentrating
- Disordered and confused speech. For example, using words or sentences that don't fit together, finding it difficult to stay on topic, inventing words, etc.
- Abnormal motor behavior (movement disorders)
- Struggle with basic self-care and responsibilities. For instance, failure to brush their teeth, take a shower, etc.
- Extreme irritability or moodiness
Treatment
With treatment, most schizophrenia symptoms improve drastically. Crystal Skenandore, Outpatient Therapist at Nystrom & Associates, outlines treatment options.
While medications are the first-line treatment for schizophrenia, many patients continue to experience difficulty with social and occupational functioning. Programs such as Adult Rehabilitation Mental Health Services (ARMHS) can help build and strengthen skills needed to maintain employment and relationships. These treatments combined with a strong social support system can help set the patient up for success in maintaining their progress and living more independently.
In other words, medications do help – however, additional therapy to learn practical skills is typically needed as well. Individuals will also learn to implement coping skills to deal with difficult emotions and behaviors. Therefore, it's crucial to receive personalized treatment that will best help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Related: How to Build and Maintain Healthy Coping Skills
A Word From Nystrom & Associates
Most importantly, help for schizophrenia is available. Our care team at Nystrom & Associates knows treatment coordination is invaluable. Additionally, we offer many services that work together to develop the best treatment plan for every individual. If you or someone you know is struggling needs help to move forward, we’re here to help.
If you’d like to request an appointment, please contact our coordinators today or call 1-844-NYSTROM.
