Schizophrenia is an illness that can profoundly alter the mental status and feelings in a person and this, therefore, alters behavior. It is not mere frustration; it is a profound break from reality. This makes life very difficult for the person suffering from it and for others associated with or around them.
Whenever we mention the signs of schizophrenia, we intend to characterise the changes in a person’s behaviour, thoughts, and feelings that may indicate that something is very wrong. The kind of world we inhabit would change dramatically if every person learned these signs as soon as possible. The sooner a person gets care, the better they will be able to cope.
Let’s look at five common signs of schizophrenia in adults, and explain them in a way that’s easy to understand.
5 Key Signs of Schizophrenia in Adults
| Sign | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Hallucinations | Hearing or seeing things not real |
| Delusions | Strong false beliefs |
| Disorganized Speech | Confused or jumbled talking |
| Odd Behavior | Strange actions or appearance |
| Lack of Emotion | Flat voice and no interest in life |
1. Hearing or Seeing Things That Are Not There
One of the most common manifestations of schizophrenia is hearing voices or seeing visions invisible to all but the afflicted. These are les hopeless cases of hallucination. Nothing more hysterical can come to the mind of the victim than that scene in which they find themselves alone in a quiet room only to suddenly be summoned by someone calling them by name, yet presently, no soul can be seen.
The very next thing they do is check their cell phone. There is nothing on the line. They could ask the friend casually to ascertain whether he heard anything, and that friend wouldn’t be of any help either. Such is how such actual existence feels for the person suffering from schizophrenia. It’s not simply daydreaming. It’s a gross violation of the victim’s consciousness and can thus leave him bewildered and frightened.
2. Strange or Confusing Thoughts
The disorder is characterized by outside thoughts that do not make sense to the other person whose thoughts are other things. The train of words may get lost within themselves. For instance, they may broach one topic but suddenly change to another which has no relation whatsoever to the first one.
Mean, for example, that this person is teaching how to bake a cake and suddenly jumbles the whole sentence by talking about the moon or even how frogs jump. The conversation is jumbled. It is like reading a book with mixed-up pages. Beliefs may seem to one person such very strange delusions, but to the other, they are indeed very real. This thought confusion is a typical aspect of the signs of schizophrenia.
3. Pulling Away from Friends and Family
One-more great sign of schizophrenia is the isolation it creates. People sever ties with others. This could mean not talking to friends, ignoring relatives, or just feeling the need to be alone.
Initially, it might give an impression of fatigue or too busy to spare time from an individual. But later, it would manifest without isolation from the people they would usually share moments with. They would also start to lose interest in activities that they loved, such as gaming, going out, or eating the foods they liked. The behaviour change is one of the first warning signs of schizophrenia.
4. Trouble Showing Emotions or Taking Care of Themselves
Some adults with schizophrenia may stop showing emotions. They might not smile or laugh, even when something funny happens. Or they might not react when something sad or exciting takes place.
Also, people with schizophrenia may stop taking care of themselves. They may forget to shower, wear the same clothes daily, or not brush their teeth. These may seem like small things, but together, they are part of the bigger picture and are real signs of schizophrenia.
5. Acting in Ways That Seem Odd or Confusing
Sometimes, the behaviour of someone with schizophrenia can seem unusual. They may talk to themselves, move their arms or hands strangely, or sit in one place for a long time without moving.
To others, this behaviour might look strange or even scary. But for the person experiencing it, it may feel completely normal or out of their control. These odd behaviours, especially when they happen often, are one of the key signs of schizophrenia.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
While this post focuses on the signs of schizophrenia, it helps to understand that the cause is not fully known. Experts believe it may be due to a mix of:
- Genetics (passed down in families)
- Brain chemistry (chemicals like dopamine may be out of balance)
- Life events or trauma
- Drug use
Schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting, weakness, or lack of willpower. It is a medical condition, just like asthma or diabetes, that needs proper care and support.
Final Thoughts
The signs of schizophrenia can be hard to see at first. They may show up slowly, or all at once. The five main signs to look out for in adults are:
- Hearing or seeing things that aren’t real
- Confusing thoughts or strange beliefs
- Staying away from friends and family
- Flat emotions and poor self-care
- Odd or unusual behaviour
These signs may seem small at first. But when they happen often and start to affect daily life, it’s time to get help.
Understanding the signs of schizophrenia is like turning on a light in a dark room. It helps us see what’s happening and what steps to take. And with the right support, people with schizophrenia can find hope and healing.
