Schizophrenia does not mean ‘split personality’. Schizophrenia means ‘fractured mind’ and refers to changes in mental function where thoughts and perceptions become distorted.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Individuals experience symptoms in different combinations and to different extents. It is also important to remember that a person who is diagnosed with schizophrenia may be experiencing severe symptoms, mild symptoms or none at all. Here are some common symptoms:
Delusions
Delusions are false beliefs. These can include beliefs of having a special mission, being under outside control and the like.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are false perceptions. These include hearing voices, or seeing, feeling, tasting or smelling things. These are perceived as very real by the person experiencing them but are not actually there.
Thinking Difficulties
There may be difficulties in concentration, memory and ability to plan. Difficulties in the thinking process make it difficult for someone to reason, communicate well and complete daily tasks.
Loss of Drive
A person lacks motivation and this can extend even to self-care. It should not be confused with laziness.
Blunted emotions
A person displays a lack of emotions or inappropriate emotions.
Social Withdrawal
A person will withdraw from other people. This may be due to loss of social skills or fear of interacting with others.