Diagnosis
The initial diagnosis of schizophrenia may be preceded by a long period of ‘early warning signs’, which may cause family members and friends to feel concern. Those people that develop schizophrenic symptoms are diagnosed by a medical professional, and the ‘episode’ can be categorised into three main types on schizophrenia. This categorisation can help in the treatment decision.
Early warning signs of schizophrenia
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Forgetfulness and inability to concentrate
- A hostile attitude and distrust towards others
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Irrational statements and confusing speech
- Overreaction to criticism or advice
- Inability to control emotional outbursts
- Lack of facial expression
However, these signs may signify problems other than schizophrenia, such as depression or anxiety. If someone is suffering from a mental disorder, seeking medical advice can help.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
There are five main types of symptoms characteristic to those suffering with schizophrenia, although the nature and severity of these will differ dramatically from person to person. They include:
- Disorganised speech – e.g. switching between topics randomly and giving incoherent or unrelated answers to questions
- Hallucinations e.g. auditory hallucinations – ‘hearing voices’
- Delusions- e.g. of persecution or control – they believe someone is out to get them or control their thoughts
- Disorganised behaviour – e.g. inability to take care of oneself or maintain personal relationships
- An absence of ‘normal’ behaviours (negative symptoms) – e.g. a lack of interest or enthusiasm in activities or hobbies previously enjoyed
Types of schizophrenia
Catatonic
Periods of increased activity, or alternatively decreased, where the person will not more for hours. During increased activity they will pace, shout and frequently become violent, whilst during decreased there is limited or no movement.
Paranoid
The person will have beliefs or suspicions surrounding a certain topic, and will often have a persistent story about their perceived persecution or grandeur.
Disorganised
The progression of this type is gradual, with the person’s speech and behaviours becoming gradually more disorganised, and often being unable to take care of oneself.
There is no medical test for schizophrenia – the psychiatrist will make the diagnosis based on interviews with the patient and their family. CT scans can be used to show known changes that occur within the brain suffering with schizophrenia, however they are inconclusive for diagnosis, as they can be indicative of other forms of psychosis.