What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia causes mental hallucinations, an altered perception of reality and an inability to function within mainstream society. It is treated by medication and psychiatric monitoring.

Hallucinations

• The most common symptom of schizophrenia is hallucinations. These can be seeing objects or people that are not physically there, or hearing imaginary sounds most commonly perceived by the schizophrenic to be voices.

Emotions

• Schizophrenia causes a person to experience emotions in an inconsistent manner. One moment the person may be displaying no emotion at all, and then the next moment he may be laughing uncontrollably at a sad or emotional situation.

Paranoia

• Paranoia is a common symptom of schizophrenia. The person feels as though she is constantly being watched, and because of this fear she will sometimes withdraw completely from social contact.

Motor Skills

• One symptom of schizophrenia that may go overlooked is a deterioration in motor skills. The person may seem clumsy, or find it difficult to walk without falling over.

Altered Reality

• Schizophrenia can cause people to create their own reality. The person may believe he can fly, or he may begin to speak in gibberish that he believes is his own language.