Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person interprets a different or fake reality.
Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior are common signs of schizophrenia. In its most extreme cases, schizophrenia is extremely disabling and can prevent a person from living out their day-to-day life. A person’s work, school, and relationships may suffer as a result of schizophrenia, especially if they don’t seek treatment. This mental disorder affects a wide range of functions that can permanently impair a person’s ability from carrying out a normal life. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Florida is sharing the signs of schizophrenia that you should look out for.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
There are several different types of schizophrenia and each affects a wide range of functions like thinking, emotions, and behavior. It makes the person believe that they’re experiencing an alternate or fake reality with a warped view of what’s real and what isn’t. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose this disorder because individuals who have it aren’t aware that they’re ill, and therefore won’t know to ask for help. Because this condition can quickly worsen without help from a mental health program, it’s important to know the signs of schizophrenia.
Signs of Schizophrenia in Teens
The early warning signs of paranoid schizophrenia usually occur during the teenage years. Although the symptoms may be similar to those in adults, schizophrenia may be more difficult to diagnose early on. These symptoms are often attributed to the typical changes that many teens go through during development and are rarely given a second thought.
Common signs of schizophrenia in its earlier stages include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Sudden drop in grades
- Different friend group
- Lack of motivation
- Moodiness or irritability
- Substance abuse
Signs of Schizophrenia in Adults
On the other hand, the negative signs and symptoms of schizophrenia in adults may be slightly more distinct. In some people, schizophrenia happens suddenly, but for most, it’s a gradual decline in mental and behavioral functioning. Oftentimes, the person’s loved ones are aware that something is wrong but aren’t able to identify the exact reason.
The initial symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Depression
- Self-isolation
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Hostility or suspicion towards someone they used to trust
- Irrational statements
- Saying strange words or phrases
- Inability to concentrate
- Sleeping too much or not at all
- Paranoia
Although these signs may point towards a different condition, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to seek professional help for a loved one if they begin to show these signs of schizophrenia.
Without professional treatment, the individual’s condition may worsen. Symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and disorganized behavior can prevent a person from living a full and happy life. Because these symptoms are often difficult to manage without treatment, many schizophrenics turn to drug or alcohol abuse in an attempt to self-medicate. This could eventually lead to addiction, causing further problems.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental illness or even an addiction, call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our facility and the various levels of care we offer.
