What Are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
People with schizophrenia may have different types of symptoms. Each patient may display them differently. Some people may have only a few symptoms, while others may have many. Generally, symptoms fall into 2 categories. They are commonly called positive symptoms and negative symptoms.
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to extra feelings that usually are not present. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to a lack of behaviors or feelings that usually are present.
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia may include:
- Delusions — distortions in thought content
- Hallucinations — hearing, seeing, tasting, feeling, or smelling things that others do not
- Disorganized speech and behavior
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia may include:
- Lack of drive or initiative — losing interest in everyday activities such as bathing, grooming, or getting dressed
- Social withdrawal — feeling out of touch with other people, family, or friends
- Apathy — lack of feeling or emotion
- Emotional unresponsiveness — having little emotion or inappropriate feelings in certain situations
- Anhedonia — having less ability to experience pleasure
The term psychotic is often used with schizophrenia. A psychotic episode involves a person having hallucinations or delusions or suffering from disorganized speech or thinking.
Some people with schizophrenia have thoughts of hurting themselves. Ten percent of people with schizophrenia succeed at attempting suicide. If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide, contact a doctor immediately.
