Schizophrenia – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that disrupts a person’s perception of reality. People with this condition experience symptoms that fall into three main categories:

Key Symptoms:

  • Hallucinations – Seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t present
  • Delusions – Holding strong, false beliefs despite evidence
  • Disorganized thinking – Difficulty organizing thoughts and speech

These symptoms can make everyday functioning extremely difficult. The disconnect from reality often interferes with work, relationships, and self-care.

Treatment for schizophrenia requires ongoing management throughout life. This typically includes:

  • Medication to control symptoms
  • Psychotherapy to develop coping skills
  • Support services for daily living activities

Research shows that early treatment significantly improves long-term outcomes. Without proper care, people often face:

  • More intense symptoms
  • Frequent hospitalizations
  • Declining cognitive abilities
  • Poorer social outcomes
  • Higher risk of harm

Early intervention helps control symptoms before they cause serious disruptions, improving the quality of life for those affected.

Signs and Symptoms

Teen Symptoms

Schizophrenia can be harder to identify in teenagers than in adults. Before obvious symptoms appear, teens may show warning signs that look similar to normal teenage behavior, including:

  • Withdrawing from friends and family members
  • Declining school performance
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Irritability and depression
  • Lack of motivation

Early warning signs are often confused with typical teenage behavior or the effects of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or hallucinogens.

Teenagers with schizophrenia usually have more hallucinations and fewer delusions than adults with the disorder.

Common Symptoms of Schizophrenia

  • Delusions: False beliefs that aren’t based in reality. Individuals may believe they are being harmed or harassed, have extraordinary abilities, or that a disaster is imminent.
  • Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or sensing things that others don’t experience. Hearing voices is the most common type of hallucination.
  • Disorganized Thinking and Speech: Conversations may jump between unrelated topics, and responses to questions may be incomplete or unrelated. In severe cases, speech becomes a jumble of unconnected words.
  • Unusual Motor Behavior: This ranges from childlike silliness to unprovoked agitation. People may resist instructions, make inappropriate movements, or become completely unresponsive.
  • Negative Symptoms: These include reduced emotional expression, decreased motivation, social withdrawal, and difficulty planning ahead.

When Medical Help Is Needed

Most people with schizophrenia don’t recognize that they have a condition requiring medical attention. Family members or friends often need to step in and help them get treatment.

If you notice these symptoms in someone you know, professional evaluation is important, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Supporting Someone With Possible Schizophrenia

If you believe someone has schizophrenia, offering early support and guidance is crucial.

  1. Start a conversation. Express your concerns calmly and without judgment.
  2. Offer help finding treatment. Assist in locating mental health professionals.
  3. Be supportive. Provide encouragement and reassurance.
  4. Be patient. Understand that recovery takes time.

Emergency services may be needed when someone poses a danger to themselves or others, or is unable to meet basic needs such as food and shelter.

Call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) for immediate help.

Laws for involuntary mental health treatment differ by location, so it’s best to contact local mental health agencies for information on available options.

Suicide Risk and Prevention

People with schizophrenia have a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts than the general population. If you notice warning signs of suicide, take immediate action:

  • Stay with them. Do not leave them alone.
  • Eliminate hazardous items. Keep weapons, medications, and other potentially harmful objects away.
  • Seek emergency help – Call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).

Proper treatment for schizophrenia can significantly reduce suicide risk, making early intervention crucial.

Causes

Scientists don’t fully understand what causes schizophrenia. Research suggests it likely results from a combination of:

  • Genetic Factors: Family history may increase risk.
  • Brain Chemistry Imbalances: Particularly involving dopamine and glutamate.
  • Environmental Influences: Factors that interact with genetic predisposition.

Brain imaging studies have revealed structural differences in the brains and central nervous systems of people with schizophrenia. These findings provide strong evidence that schizophrenia is a biological brain disorder, not just a psychological condition.

While researchers continue to investigate these brain changes, they have not yet translated these discoveries into new treatment approaches.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the chance of developing schizophrenia:

  • Family History: People with relatives who have schizophrenia face a higher risk.

  • Environmental Challenges: Living in stressful, dangerous, or poor conditions can contribute to risk.

  • Early Development Issues: Problems during pregnancy or birth, including:

    • Poor nutrition before or after birth
    • Low birth weight
    • Exposure to toxins or viruses that affect brain development

  • Substance Use: Using mind-altering drugs during teenage years or early adulthood may trigger schizophrenia in some people.

Potential Health Issues

Without proper treatment, schizophrenia can seriously impact all aspects of daily life. People with schizophrenia face several possible complications:

Mental Health Challenges:

  • Suicidal thoughts, attempts, or completed suicide
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders and OCD

Substance and Lifestyle Issues:

  • Tobacco, alcohol, or drug misuse
  • Inability to maintain employment or education
  • Financial difficulties and possible homelessness

Social and Physical Consequences:

  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Various physical health problems
  • Increased vulnerability to crime or abuse

While some people may act aggressively, those with schizophrenia are more often victims of violence than perpetrators.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent schizophrenia. However, following your treatment plan consistently can help prevent symptoms from worsening or returning.

Scientists continue working to better understand risk factors, which may eventually lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.