Characteristics of Schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia have several types of symptoms: Hallucinations. You hear voices or see or smell things that others say aren't there. The voices might criticize or threaten you.
You could have: Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren't there. Delusions: Mistaken but firmly held beliefs that are easy to prove wrong, like thinking you have superpowers, are a famous person, or people are out to get you. Disorganized speech: Using words and sentences that don't make sense to others.
If you, or someone you know, are described as having “borderline schizophrenia”, it could point toward mild symptoms, unclear symptoms, or a combination of symptoms. The best thing you can do is to seek clarification from a licensed professional.
Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include: Young children: Delayed development. Older kids and teens: Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing.
One of the main differences between paranoid personality disorder and schizophrenia is that hallucination is not a typical feature of paranoid personality disorder.
Borderline schizophrenia is a term that is used to describe the occurrence of both BPD and schizophrenia. However, it is not an established diagnosis. BPD and schizophrenia are separate conditions that can occur together. They also share many similarities.
Never tell your loved one that their symptoms are “not true,” “not real,” “imaginary,” or all in their head. Aim to be nonjudgmental.
Seeing, hearing, or tasting things that others do not. Suspiciousness and a general fear of others' intentions. Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs. Difficulty thinking clearly.
Generally, it all boils down to a person's unique symptoms. This can include disorganized thinking, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, or a loss of interest in activities.
The symptoms of schizophrenia are usually classified into: positive symptoms – any change in behaviour or thoughts, such as hallucinations or delusions. negative symptoms – where people appear to withdraw from the world around then, take no interest in everyday social interactions, and often appear emotionless and flat.
Someone might see lights, objects, people, or patterns. Often it's loved ones or friends who are no longer alive. They may also have trouble with depth perception and distance.
They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. These symptoms make holding a job, forming relationships, and other day-to-day functions especially difficult for people with schizophrenia.
Personality disorders such as antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive types have been detected in one third to one half of schizophrenia patients (Nielsen, Hewitt & Habke, 1997; Solano & Chavez, 2000).
Given the complexity and variability of schizophrenia symptoms, it's possible to have the disorder and not realize it. Some people with schizophrenia may be able to function relatively well in their day-to-day lives, masking their symptoms from others and even themselves.
In most people with schizophrenia, symptoms generally start in the mid- to late 20s, though it can start later, up to the mid-30s. Schizophrenia is considered early onset when it starts before the age of 18. Onset of schizophrenia in children younger than age 13 is extremely rare.
Experts aren't sure what exactly triggers the first episode or the early warning signs. But many things can lead to psychosis: Genetics. Several specific genes and a family history of psychosis may make it more likely for you to develop it.
Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, shared psychotic disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder, and paraphrenia.
While there is no one blood test to detect schizophrenia, regular blood testing can provide important information about a person's schizophrenia treatment and overall well-being.
Without treatment, a person with schizophrenia can undergo brain damage, though experts debate the mechanisms through which this happens. People with schizophrenia also have higher rates of liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease than their peers.