In some people, Schizophrenia appears suddenly and without warning. But for most, it comes on slowly, with subtle warning signs and a gradual decline in functioning long before the first severe episode. Many friends and family members of people with Schizophrenia report knowing early on that something was wrong with their loved one, they just didn’t know what.

 

In this early phase, people with Schizophrenia often seem eccentric, unmotivated, emotionless, and reclusive. They isolate themselves, start neglecting their appearance, say peculiar things, and show a general indifference to life. They may abandon hobbies and activities, and their performance at work or school deteriorates

The most common early warning signs of Schizophrenia include:
 

Social withdrawal Hostility or suspiciousness Deterioration of personal hygiene Flat, expressionless gaze Inability to cry or express joy Inappropriate laughter or crying Depression Oversleeping or insomnia Odd or irrational statements Forgetful; unable to concentrate Extreme reaction to criticism Strange use of words or way of speaking

 

While these warning signs can result from a number of problems—not just Schizophrenia—they are cause for concern. When out-of-the-ordinary behavior is causing problems in your life or the life of a loved one, seek medical advice. If Schizophrenia or another mental problem is the cause, treatment will help.

 

Ehsan’s story Ehsan is 23 years old. Six months ago, he was doing well in college and holding down a part-time job in the stockroom of a local electronics store. But then he began to change, becoming increasingly paranoid and acting out in bizarre ways. First, he became convinced that his teachers were “out to get him” since they didn’t appreciate his confusing, off-topic classroom rants. Then he told his roommate that the other students were “in on the conspiracy.” Soon after, he dropped out of school. From there, things just got worse. Ehsan l stopped bathing, shaving, and washing his clothes. At work, he became convinced that his boss was watching him through surveillance bugs planted in the store’s television sets. Then he started hearing voices telling him to find the bugs and deactivate them. Things came to a head when he acted on the voices, smashing several TVs and screaming that he wasn’t going to put up with the “illegal spying” any more. His frightened boss called the police, and Ehsan was hospitalized.