Schizophrenia – Uncommon signs to know

Schizophrenia – Uncommon signs to know

Schizophrenia is a critical mental disorder that ranges from mild to severe. This condition is usually diagnosed in people between 16 to 30 years of age. The early signs usually appear in adolescence and include extreme moodiness, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, strange thoughts, and odd behavior. Other uncommon symptoms of schizophrenia gradually increase in severity over time and can also impair daily functioning. The uncommon signs of schizophrenia can be classified into:

Delusions
These are false beliefs about something and are easy to prove wrong, but the person with schizophrenia believes them to be true. For example, people with schizophrenia may believe they are important, others are attempting to control them, or they have extraordinary powers or abilities. There are different types of delusions:

Persecutory delusions
The person believes that they are being stalked, hunted, or tricked.

Referential delusions
The person believes a particular song lyric or a gesture from a TV host is for them.

Somatic delusions
The person believes that they have an illness or a health problem.

Religious delusions
The person believes in a special relationship with a deity or is possessed by a demon.

Grandiose delusions
The person believes that they are a famous entertainer or politician.

Erotomanic delusions
The person believes to be in love with a celebrity or thinks that their partner is cheating on them.

Hallucinations
People with schizophrenia state that they can hear, see, smell, touch or taste things that do not exist. Among the different types of hallucinations, people with schizophrenia mostly experience auditory hallucinations. They hear things that are rude or unpleasant. Some schizophrenics also respond to the voices and appear to be talking to themselves. Visual hallucinations cause people to see lights, objects, people, or patterns. Mostly they see their loved ones or friends who are no longer alive. Olfactory and gustatory hallucinations cause them to believe they are being poisoned and refuse to eat. Tactile hallucinations are when they feel things moving on their body, such as hands or insects.

Confused thinking and speech
While speaking, schizophrenics often have trouble organizing their thoughts. Their sentences are jumbled, and they may jump from one topic to another, making no sense. People living with them often find it hard to understand what schizophrenic patients are talking about. Some may even invent new words without meaning or repeat a single word or phrase out of context.

Disorganized or unusual behavior
Schizophrenics may make unusual or abnormal body movements. Sometimes they may be perfectly still for hours, termed as catatonic, while other times, they may repeat their movements continuously. They may be smiling or laughing for no apparent reason and may have childlike silliness. Other examples of disorganized behavior are getting oddly dressed or making unusual gestures.

Lack of positivity
One may lack the motivation to perform everyday activities. Some negative symptoms include decreased facial expressions, withdrawal from social life, trouble planning, and sticking with activities. These symptoms are often considered indicators of other mental health illnesses like depression.

Cognitive issues
Schizophrenia patients may also experience cognitive symptoms like a short attention span and lowered concentration and memory retention. They may find it difficult to follow a conversation or remember appointments. Schizophrenics may also find it hard to organize their thoughts and make decisions. They also lack insight, which means they do not understand that they are ill. Loved ones and caregivers must be vigilant and provide support to control their symptoms.

These symptoms are psychotic symptoms which means schizophrenics have abnormal mental functions. These include:

The uncommon symptoms of schizophrenia can vary in type and severity. Though schizophrenia is challenging, it is manageable with early treatment and support. With the availability of better psychological treatments, most schizophrenics can now lead productive lives.

Popular Articles

01

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver.
Read More
02

Avoid these 5 smartphone habits

For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Read More
03

7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis

When you have bronchitis, it’s easy to overeat greasy, salty, or sugary foods to relieve the coughing, breathing, and throat pain. Alternatively, you may decide not to consume anything at all. However, you should take care and watch what you eat as refined carbs and saturated fats might impede recovery. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat may influence the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Here’s a list of a few items you should avoid. Foods with preservatives and additives Sulfites, a form of preservative, may aggravate bronchitis. Liquor, dried fruits, pickled foods, maraschino cherries, and lime juice all contain sulfites. Processed and quick meals frequently contain chemical additives, flavors, and colorings. Some bronchitis patients may be susceptible to or intolerant to these artificial components. Gas-forming foods Eating large meals or gas-producing foods strains the diaphragm, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. This can cause chest pains and asthma flare-ups. Beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, onions, and fried dishes are examples of these foods. Sugar and HFCS Do you enjoy drinking sugar-laden colas? Be cautious. They can be dangerous to your health. Avoiding syrups, candies, and other sugary foods will help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, irritation, and discomfort in your lungs.
Read More