Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia often have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. They may also experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, and trouble with thinking and planning.
The symptoms of schizophrenia can vary widely from person to person, and they can also change over time. Some of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia include:
Delusions: These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, someone with schizophrenia might believe that they are being followed, that they have special powers, or that they are being controlled by a government agency.
Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences that are not real. People with schizophrenia might see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that no one else does. For example, they might see people or animals that aren’t there, hear voices, or smell strange smells.
Disorganized speech: This is when someone’s speech is difficult to follow. They might jump from one topic to another, use made-up words, or have trouble expressing themselves clearly.
Disorganised behaviour: This is when someone’s behaviour is strange or unpredictable. They might dress in unusual ways, make strange gestures, or have difficulty carrying out simple tasks.
*Negative symptoms:
These are symptoms that involve a loss of normal function. People with negative symptoms might have difficulty expressing emotions, have little interest in activities, or withdraw from social interaction.
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with no single cause. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it can be managed with medication and therapy. With treatment, most people with schizophrenia can live full and productive lives.