Causes and Symptoms
Early Signs of Schizophrenia
- Social withdrawal
- Hostility or suspiciousness
- Deterioration of personal hygiene
- Flat, expressionless gaze
- Inability to cry or express joy
- Inappropriate laughter or crying
- Depression
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Odd or irrational statements
- Forgetful; unable to concentrate
- Extreme reaction to criticism
- Strange use of words or way of speaking
Symptoms
Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganized Speech
Disorganized Behavior
- Beliefs that "they" are out to get them
- Delusions with odd and bizarre beliefs
- They might believe that a certain message on everyday things (i.e. a billboard, someone on the tv, or on the radio) was meant specifically for them
- The belief that they are a famous or important person, such as Jesus
- They may believe that they have special super powers such as the ability to fly
- They may believe that their actions are caused by an outside force such as aliens
Hallucinations
- Sounds or images that may seem real but they are only real in the person's mind
- Auditory hallucinations are the most common of the five senses
- They are usually significant to the person experiencing them
- Many of the times, the voices they hear are the voices of somebody they know
- Most of the time, the voices are harsh, vulgar, and abusive
- The hallucinations worsen when the person is alone
Disorganized Speech
- Loose associations- rapidly shifting from topic to topic without a real connection
- Neologisms- made up words or phrases that can only be understood by the person who created them
- Preservation- repeating the same things over and over again
- Clang- Meaningless use of rhyming words
Disorganized Behavior
- A decline in overall daily functioning
- Unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses
- Behaviors that appear bizarre and have no purpose
- Lack of inhibition and impulse control
Causes
It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, also may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes, they support evidence that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, also may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes, they support evidence that schizophrenia is a brain disease.