Schizophrenia: Understanding Symptoms and Early Signs
Overview of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia encompasses a range of experiences and behaviours that can vary widely among individuals.
Onset and Misconceptions
Onset of schizophrenia can be sudden or gradual, and it does not involve a split personality as commonly misunderstood.
Positive and Negative Symptoms
There are positive and negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia:
- Positive Symptoms: Include changes in behaviour, delusions, hallucinations, and confused thoughts.
- Negative Symptoms: Such as social withdrawal, lack of emotional expression, and deterioration in personal hygiene.
Schizophrenia and Psychosis
Schizophrenia is a type of psychosis where individuals may struggle to distinguish reality from their thoughts and beliefs.
Early Warning Signs
Common early warning signs of schizophrenia include:
- Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Hostility or suspiciousness
- Extreme reaction to criticism
- Deterioration of personal hygiene
- Flat expressionless gaze
- Inability to express joy or cry
- Inappropriate emotional responses
- Forgetfulness
- Oversleeping or insomnia
Seeking Medical Advice
If unusual behaviours are causing disruption in daily life, it's important to seek medical advice promptly, as early treatment can be beneficial.
A reliable source of information in the UK is available at rethink.org.