How to Recognize the Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that commonly affects young adults between the ages of 18 and 45. However, occasionally young children and older adults will also develop the disorder in times of great stress or when there is a strong genetic link to the disease. Most often, people think that schizophrenia causes people to hear voices. While this is true in many cases, it is certainly not the only symptoms of schizophrenia. Use these tips to recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. People with schizophrenia typically display negative symptoms in which pieces of their personality are taken away as the result of schizophrenia. Recognize the negative symptoms of schizophrenia when a person stops smiling and speaks in an abnormally monotone way.

2. Recognize the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia when a person begins suffering from a loss of memory and odd thought patterns. People with schizophrenia typically experience such severe problems thinking properly that it becomes impossible for them to hold a job.

3. Symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and movement disorders are the easiest symptoms of schizophrenia to recognize as particular to the disorder. Hallucinations may be visual, audible or both. Movement disorders cause a person to appear dramatically clumsy. Some people with schizophrenia even fall into a catatonic state in which they are unable to move.

4. Seek help. If you suspect a loved one might have schizophrenia it is important to get them the help they need. Since schizophrenic people are often very paranoid that people are trying to hurt them they will not likely agree to treatment. Visit Schizophrenia.com for the best way to get treatment once you recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia in someone you love.

Tips & Warnings

• If someone you know has been diagnosed as schizophrenic it is important to help them stay on their medication. People who go off their schizophrenia medication are at a greatly heightened risk of suicide.

Resources

• Schizophrenia | Support Groups

[goodselfme]

on 2/28/2009 Good information. TXI read, rate, comment and recommend