Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood condition. People with schizophrenia face more stigma than those with other mental health conditions. It can seem like they’re experiencing a different reality than everyone else. Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia are often ostracized or targeted by abusers. 

In severe cases, people with this condition may not be very responsive or they may lose interest in activities of daily living. Delusions and hallucinations are other hallmark symptoms. People with schizophrenia can live meaningful and brilliant lives. They need treatment from licensed clinical professionals and plenty of social support.

We still don’t know exactly what causes schizophrenia; however, there are a few risk factors that many people with schizophrenia share. This article outlines the three groups of schizophrenia symptoms and its risk factors.

Symptoms of schizophrenia

Like other mental disorders, schizophrenia presents with a wide spectrum from mild to severe cases. Many people with schizophrenia start showing symptoms in their late teen years through their 20s. Symptoms can come and go in “episodes” or progress and persist. 

Paranoia is a common feature in the imagined situations people with schizophrenia experience. Paranoid schizophrenia used to be a classification in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The criteria for schizophrenia and related disorders have evolved over the years: The previous subtypes are now included as variations of the main diagnosis.

To make things more complicated, related conditions can share similar symptoms. Schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal personality disorder and severe bipolar disorder can all cause psychosis and disorganized thinking. People who have distinct mood episodes along with symptoms of schizophrenia may have schizoaffective disorder. Others with intense discomfort and erratic social behaviors may have schizotypal personality disorder.

The three distinct categories of schizophrenia symptoms are positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include psychosis and imagined things that aren’t really there. Negative symptoms reflect the absence of certain abilities and behaviors. Finally, cognitive symptoms are issues with thinking and emotions.

Positive symptoms in people with schizophrenia can look like:

• Delusions of scenarios that are irrational or not real, like an imagined relationship with a celebrity
• Strong beliefs that aren’t true, like receiving secret messages or being controlled by an invisible force
• Paranoia that certain people are trying to hurt or sabotage them 
• Visual hallucinations, from seeing individual people or things that aren’t there to vivid scenery
• Hearing voices and sounds no one else can hear

Negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia can look like:

• Lack of interest or excitement for activities they used to enjoy
• Lack of pleasure, known as anhedonia
• Absence of emotion and facial expressions
• Avoiding social situations

Cognitive symptoms in people with schizophrenia can look like:

• Disorganized speech, such as speaking in fragments or “word salad”
• Impaired ability to control their impulses
• Inability to concentrate or finish tasks they’ve started
• Trouble recalling basic things they’ve seen or heard
• Difficulty processing new information and making decisions

Schizophrenia risk factors

There are very few ways to tell that someone has a high risk of developing schizophrenia. Men and women seem to have equal chances of developing schizophrenia. 

High risk factors for developing schizophrenia are:

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Prenatal conditions or birth complications that may affect brain development
• Having a family history of schizophrenia
• Taking psychoactive or psychotropic drugs
• Differences in brain structure or connections between different areas of the brain

Treatment for people with schizophrenia 

About 50% of individuals with schizophrenia have co-occurring behavioral health disorders. That’s why it’s important to have a formal assessment done and seek treatment from a licensed clinical professional. Antipsychotic medications can help limit hallucinations and delusions. Providers should tailor treatments to the client’s needs, symptoms, abilities and support system. With personalized treatment, clients can function at their own pace and stay safe during psychotic episodes.

People with severe schizophrenia may also develop physical health issues that go undetected, such as heart disease and diabetes. By being open with their physician about their schizophrenia, patients can be properly screened for other potential concerns that may develop alongside it.

Our process-based therapy (PBT) model takes a holistic and comprehensive approach. We focus on building up the core processes we all need to maintain mental wellness. We help people develop strategies to manage their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. Each level of care includes family therapy sessions, too. We help loved ones learn how to provide support in an affirming and positive way.

What further questions do you have about seeking treatment for schizophrenia? Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’re here to help.