Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects less than one percent of people in America. It typically develops in patients in their early 20’s and affects both men and women equally. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as patients who are unable to decipher reality from what is imagined. Patients may also hear voices or suffer from hallucinations, and they may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and organizing their thoughts.
Schizophrenic patients view the world differently, and they often withdraw from people as a result. While the cause of schizophrenia is unknown, genetics, psychological and physical makeup, and the environment do seem to play a role. For instance, a familial history of schizophrenia increases the risk of a schizophrenic diagnosis. A psychotic episode can also be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. It is important to recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia, including these early warning signs:
1. Depression, social withdrawal, hostility or suspiciousness
Symptoms may include behavioral changes like depressions, irritability, paranoia, and isolation. The depression may last most of every day, affecting a person’s work and other activities. Their appetite may change, and they will lose or gain a significant amount of weight. Depression may cause suicidal thoughts. Because they can’t tell reality from fantasy, they may act hostile or suspicious even with people they know well. They may hear noises and fear that others are out to hurt them. These behaviors make it difficult to keep a job and interact with people.
2. Deterioration of personal hygiene
Everyday tasks can be challenging for people with schizophrenia. Sometimes they are unable to function in daily life or perform simple tasks. A schizophrenic person may not be motivated to shower, brush teeth, or comb hair. Their lack of awareness results in poor personal grooming. They may have to be reminded to shower, brush their teeth, and do other self-care. When mentioned, some patients become hostile or argue with the caregiver.
3. Lack of emotion or inappropriate emotional outbursts
Schizophrenia has a different or unexpected emotional response. For instance, they may laugh at inopportune times or appear to lack emotions.
They might stay still in one place for hours. Interacting with others can be a challenge for people with schizophrenia.
4. Oversleeping or insomnia
Not being able to sleep or sleeping for many hours are symptoms. Sleep problems and sleeping during the day are indicators of schizophrenia. Because of their illness, a person living with this disease may not have a daytime routine, which contributes to insomnia.
5. Lack of concentration
When people are unable to concentrate, they act differently. Some people may not be able to perform certain tasks, while others cannot remember what happened a short time ago. Although it is not apparent, many people with this disease have trouble focusing on mental tasks, have memory problems, and/or attention deficit syndrome. It makes it hard for them to hold a job, care for themselves, and ultimately have happy and productive lives.
