What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a term that is well recognized in psychology and mental health but not well understood. It has many misconceptions, including violent and aggressive split personalities and unpredictable behaviors. But what is schizophrenia really? What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? And what do people with schizophrenia actually experience?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), used by psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose psychiatric illnesses, sets criteria for schizophrenia. To meet the DSM criteria for schizophrenia, a person needs to experience two or more of the following for at least one month: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, chaotic behavior, and any form of negative symptoms.

Types of Symptoms

There are two types of symptoms with schizophrenia: positive and negative. Positive symptoms refer to things that occur due to schizophrenia, while negative symptoms refer to things that are taken away from an individual due to schizophrenia.

Positive Symptoms

Positive symptoms occur when someone with schizophrenia experiences a change in behavior. They may have difficulties in telling what is real and what is not real. They may also experience exaggerated ideas, perceptions, or actions.

Negative Symptoms

Negative symptoms can include a withdrawal or lack of effective functions. These symptoms usually appear very early on, before any formal diagnosis of schizophrenia. They appear gradually and often get worse.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs not based on reality. They might include thoughts of being harmed or being under threat.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations involve seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling things that are not there, such as hearing voices or seeing objects or people.

Disorganized Thinking and Speaking

This is where someone can experience impaired effective communication.

Disorganized and Abnormal Motor Behavior

This is where motor behavior can change in dramatic ways and on a variety of levels.

Negative Symptoms

Negative symptoms include loss of interest in things, lack of concentration, social phobia, and changes in sleep patterns.

Summary

Schizophrenia can include many different symptoms, some harder to identify than others. Positive and negative symptoms include the presence and absence of symptoms, all of which make up a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

If you feel that you or someone you know may be exhibiting some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, be sure to see a doctor and seek medical advice. Speaking to a therapist is also highly beneficial.

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