How do people with schizophrenia behave?
People with schizophrenia experience a range of symptoms that can affect how they behave, but it's important to know that everyone's experience is different. The condition doesn't define who someone is.
Behavior patterns often fall into three main categories:
Positive symptoms Show Full Answer
How do people with schizophrenia behave?
People with schizophrenia experience a range of symptoms that can affect how they behave, but it's important to know that everyone's experience is different. The condition doesn't define who someone is.
Behavior patterns often fall into three main categories:
Positive symptoms (adding something new):
* Hallucinations - seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that aren't there (hearing voices is most common)
* Delusions - holding strong beliefs that aren't true, like feeling someone is trying to harm them
* Disorganized speech - jumping between topics, repeating words, or having trouble communicating clearly
* Unusual or erratic actions - dressing inappropriately for weather or becoming suddenly agitated
Negative symptoms (losing normal abilities):
* Withdrawing from friends and social activities
* Speaking very little
* Showing little emotion or displaying emotions that don't match the situation
* Losing motivation
* Having trouble feeling pleasure
Cognitive symptoms (affecting thinking):
* Difficulty focusing or paying attention
* Trouble remembering things or using new information
* Problems making decisions or solving problems
* Challenges following conversations
Friends and family often notice changes before the person with schizophrenia does. You might see dramatic shifts in behavior, increased paranoia, confusion, anger, depression, or withdrawal from social interactions.
It's worth noting that most people with schizophrenia are not dangerous. They're actually more likely to be victims of violence than to cause harm to others.
November 23