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Early Signs of Schizophrenia

Early Signs of Schizophrenia

Some signs of schizophrenia include hallucinations, strange behavior, and delusions. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that causes several cognitive challenges in sufferers. They may experience memory loss, reduced attention span, and an inability to concentrate. Even though schizophrenia can be severe, it is also treatable.

Common Signs of Schizophrenia

The majority of people with schizophrenia are diagnosed early in life. Most diagnoses occur in the teenage years or early 20s. Roughly one in 100 people in America have schizophrenia. Experts believe that there is a genetic aspect to the disease as people with an afflicted close family member have slightly more risk for developing it as well. Late-onset schizophrenia is rare but may happen to those aged 45 and older. Early signs of schizophrenia typically include the following:

  • Depression and social withdrawal
  • Personal hygiene deterioration
  • Unusual hostility, suspicion, and paranoia
  • Lack of emotional expression
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Difficulty with logical thinking
  • Working memory problems

A common form of schizophrenia is known as paranoid schizophrenia. People with this disorder have a strange and altered perception of reality. For example, they may indicate that they see and hear things that no one else does. They also often have intense suspicion that they’re being watched or that someone is trying to harm them.

Misconceptions About Signs of Schizophrenia

The early signs of schizophrenia can be alarming, but fortunately, schizophrenia is treatable with a proper diagnosis. Usually, sufferers improve with treatment, rather than become worse. Nevertheless, there are many unhelpful myths about schizophrenia that are not based on facts. One of these myths is that schizophrenia is the same thing as multiple personalities. It may seem like this as those with schizophrenia may have episodes where they act differently than usual. However, schizophrenia is ultimately a disconnect with reality, not multiple personalities. Another myth is that schizophrenia is rare, but the fact it is found in one in 100 people makes it fairly common.

Perhaps the most damaging myth is that people with schizophrenia are dangerous and violent. Even though it’s possible for paranoid delusions to cause violent behavior, the majority of those with schizophrenia are not violent or dangerous. Another misconception is that schizophrenia has no treatment. The reality is that this is a highly treatable disease. It may require long-term treatment, but people can recover enough to lead normal lives.

Treatment for Signs of Schizophrenia

At quality Tennessee schizophrenia treatment centers like Encore Health Group, we provide professional treatment for schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. Strategies in the treatment of mental health disorders include using medication and psychotherapy. Our experienced therapists can help you get your life back with individualized care.

We offer the following services:

  • Mental Health treatment
  • Medication-assisted therapy
  • Anxiety treatment
  • Depression treatment
  • Detox and aftercare

Don’t let mental illness control your life any longer. You can overcome your disorder by going to a quality mental health rehab facility. Make an appointment today and we’ll put you on the road to recovery.