Symptoms of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia usually begins between the late teens and early thirties. Symptoms are grouped into positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. They vary in strength and can come and go.

Positive symptoms (added experiences)

• Hallucinations, most often hearing voices that others cannot hear.
• Delusions, firmly held false beliefs, such as being watched, followed or controlled.
• Disorganised speech that jumps between topics or is hard to follow.
• Odd or agitated behaviour.

Negative symptoms (reduced functions)

• Loss of motivation and interest in daily activity.
• Flat emotions and little facial expression.
• Withdrawing from family and friends.
• Reduced speech and poor self-care.

Cognitive symptoms

• Trouble with attention, memory and planning.
• Difficulty finishing tasks at school or work.

Early warning signs Falling grades, social withdrawal, sleep change, irritability, odd ideas and neglecting hygiene may appear months before the first episode.

What the person may not realise Many people with schizophrenia do not feel they are ill (lack of insight), so family members often notice first. Being kind and non-confrontational helps.

When to get help See a psychiatrist as soon as these symptoms last more than a few days, especially if they affect sleep, work or relationships. Early treatment gives the best chance of recovery.

Emergency note Seek urgent help (112 in India) if the person talks about suicide or harming others, is violent, refuses all food or fluids, or is acutely confused. Tele-MANAS (14416) offers free mental-health support in India.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Traditional descriptions of unmada include disturbed thought, speech and behaviour, which overlap with psychosis. It is not a diagnosis.

Remember Voices and strange beliefs are symptoms of illness. Treatment works better the earlier it starts.