Depression vs. Schizophrenia: Understanding Symptoms & Differences

Depression and schizophrenia are completely different mental disorders although the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia seem relatively similar to symptoms of depression. However, the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, which include hallucinations, delusions and thought disorder are usually not applicable to depression.

Symptoms Found in Depression and Schizophrenia

• Overlapping symptoms for depression and schizophrenia include difficulty in concentrating, problems with working-memory, inability to make decisions, loss of interest in pleasurable activities and social withdrawal.

Symptoms Unique to Depression

• Symptoms specific to depression include feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness; insomnia or excessive sleeping; changes in eating habits; and, most dangerously, thoughts of suicide. The greatest danger of depression as a mental disorder is its ability to stay undetected or untreated until it becomes severe and thoughts of suicide become serious considerations for the individual.

Symptoms Unique to Schizophrenia

• Symptoms specific to schizophrenia include involuntary movements or catatonia; hallucinations involving their senses that are not noticeable to other people; and delusions of paranoia, grandeur or science fiction type scenarios of persecution.

Treatment for Depression

• Depression is a highly treatable mental illness usually in the form of medication or psychotherapy.

Treatment for Schizophrenia

• Although the cause of schizophrenia is still unknown, treatments are available to help patients lead normal lives.