Schizophrenia Symptoms
Distorted Perceptions of Reality
People with schizophrenia may have perceptions of reality that are strikingly
different from the reality seen and shared by others around them. Living in
a world distorted by hallucinations and delusions, individuals with schizophrenia
may feel frightened, anxious, and confused.
In part because of the unusual realities they experience, people
with schizophrenia may behave very differently at various times.
Sometimes they may seem distant, detached, or preoccupied and
may even sit as rigidly as a stone, not moving for hours or uttering
a sound. Other times they may move about constantly – always
occupied, appearing wide-awake, vigilant, and alert. BACK TO THE LIST
Hallucinations and Illusions
Hallucinations and illusions are disturbances of perception that are common
in people suffering from schizophrenia. Hallucinations are perceptions that
occur without connection to an appropriate source. Although hallucinations can
occur in any sensory form – auditory (sound), visual (sight), tactile (touch),
gustatory (taste), and olfactory (smell) – hearing voices that other people
do not hear is the most common type of hallucination in schizophrenia. Voices
may describe the patient's activities, carry on a conversation, warn of impending
dangers, or even issue orders to the individual. Illusions, on the other hand,
occur when a sensory stimulus is present but is incorrectly interpreted by the
individual. BACK TO THE LIST
Delusions
Delusions are false personal beliefs that are not subject to reason or contradictory
evidence and are not explained by a person's usual cultural concepts. Delusions
may take on different themes. For example, patients suffering from paranoid-type
symptoms – roughly one-third of people with schizophrenia often have delusions
of persecution, or false and irrational beliefs that they are being cheated,
harassed, poisoned, or conspired against. These patients may believe that they,
or a member of the family or someone close to them, are the focus of this persecution.
In addition, delusions of grandeur, in which a person may believe he or she
is a famous or important figure, may occur in schizophrenia. Sometimes the delusions
experienced by people with schizophrenia are quite bizarre; for instance, believing
that a neighbor is controlling their behavior with magnetic waves; that people
on television are directing special messages to them; or that their thoughts
are being broadcast aloud to others. BACK TO THE LIST
Emotional Expression
People with schizophrenia often show "blunted" or "flat"
affect. This refers to a severe reduction in emotional expressiveness. A person
with schizophrenia may not show the signs of normal emotion, perhaps may speak
in a monotonous voice, have diminished facial expressions, and appear extremely
apathetic. The person may withdraw socially, avoiding contact with others; and
when forced to interact, he or she may have nothing to say, reflecting "impoverished
thought." Motivation can be greatly decreased, as can interest in or enjoyment
of life. In some severe cases, a person can spend entire days doing nothing
at all, even neglecting basic hygiene. These problems with emotional expression
and motivation, which may be extremely troubling to family members and friends,
are symptoms of schizophrenia – not character flaws or personal weaknesses.
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