According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an estimated 1.1% of the United States population over the age of 18 suffers from schizophrenia, That’s nearly 3.3 million people. The most common symptom of schizophrenia is hallucinations, which refers to hearing, seeing, or feeling things that others do not.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that is characterized by a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, with an inability to think clearly, manage emotions, or act normally in social situations
People with schizophrenia may hear voices that other people do not hear. They may also believe that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. This can lead to fearfulness and paranoia. People with schizophrenia may withdraw from friends and activities, become unable to work, and have difficulty taking care of themselves.
While there is no single cause of schizophrenia, researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it can be managed with medication and therapy.
Common Signs of Schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be different for each person and are divided into three types: positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms are psychotic behaviors that are not seen in healthy people. Negative symptoms are associated with a loss or decrease in normal functions, such as speaking or making eye contact. Cognitive symptoms involve problems with attention and memory.
1. Delusions – These are false beliefs that are held despite evidence to the contrary. People with schizophrenia may believe that they are being followed, watched, or even harmed by others.
2. Hallucinations – Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that others cannot see, hear, or feel. For example, a person with schizophrenia might see shadows of people following them or hear voices talking to them.
3. Disorganized thinking – This means having trouble organizing thoughts or connecting them logically. It is characterized by incoherent or illogical thoughts and speech. This can make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to carry out everyday activities or hold conversations.
4. Trouble concentrating – People with schizophrenia may have trouble focusing or paying attention. They may also have trouble following conversations or completing tasks.
5. Movement disorders – People with schizophrenia may exhibit odd or repetitive movements, such as rocking back and forth, shaking, jerking motions, or flapping their hands.
6. Withdrawal from friends and family – People with schizophrenia may withdraw from social activities and become isolated. They may also stop taking care of themselves and their appearance.
If you or someone you know are exhibiting these signs. It is important to get professional medical help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the best possible outcome.
Who Is This Schizophrenia Quiz For?
f you think you or a loved one may have Schizophrenia, this quiz might help you. The queries on the quiz are based on the common symptoms and behavior of the people with the illness.
The results of this quiz aren’t a diagnosis. But they may help you consider getting a doctor’s diagnosis. If you get a high score on this quiz, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
