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Medically reviewed by [Bethany Juby, PsyD](https://www.psychcentral.com/reviewers/bethany-juby-psyd) — Written by [John M. Grohol, Psy.D.](https://www.psychcentral.com/authors/john-m-grohol-psy-d) — Updated on June 12, 2025 - [Diagnosis](https://psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-symptoms#diagnosis) - [Symptoms](https://psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-symptoms#symptoms) - [Seek help](https://psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-symptoms#seek-help) Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder. People with this condition may experience periods when they feel disconnected from reality, usually experiencing a combination of hallucinations and delusions. People with schizophrenia may face stigma and misconceptions due to portrayals in pop culture stories that show people with the condition as dangerous. In reality, most people with schizophrenia aren’t violent and pose no threat to others. Many can lead highly productive and rewarding lives. While the condition can greatly affect a person’s life, it’s less common than other mental disorders, affecting about [24 million people](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia) worldwide and approximately [0\.25% to 0.64%](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) of people in the United States. The [causes of schizophrenia](https://psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/causes-of-schizophrenia) aren’t yet understood, but treatment is available and effective. ## [How is schizophrenia diagnosed?]() You may receive a schizophrenia diagnosis if you experience [at least two](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t22/) of the following symptoms for at least 1 month, and symptoms of the condition — possibly in milder form — persist for at least 6 months. Also, at least one symptom must be from among the first three on this list: - delusions - hallucinations - disorganized speech, such as frequent derailment or incoherence - grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior - negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression or total lack of motivation To receive a schizophrenia diagnosis, your healthcare professional will also consider the degree to which symptoms negatively affect different aspects of your life, such as your work, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, or self-care. Your healthcare professional will also rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as: - [schizoaffective disorder](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/schizoaffective-disorder-symptoms#1) - mood disorder with psychotic features - [autism spectrum disorder](https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-spectrum-disorder-symptoms) - a general medical condition - [substance use disorder](https://psychcentral.com/addictions/substance-use-disorder-symptoms) Note that about [half of people](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) with schizophrenia have co-occurring mental or behavioral health conditions, such as [depression and anxiety,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23726869/) that can lead to even greater distress and impairment. ### Common misconception: Schizophrenia causes a “split personality” Some people incorrectly believe that schizophrenia causes a “split personality.” Split personality — an outdated term for [dissociative identity disorder](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/dissociative-identity-disorder) — is a separate condition. ## [Symptoms of schizophrenia in adults, children, and adolescents]() Schizophrenia may develop slowly, and symptoms often appear first between the [late teen years and early 30s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml). Females tend to develop symptoms in their early 20s to early 30s, compared with males in their late teens to early 20s. Though it’s possible for younger people to develop schizophrenia, it’s rare. Symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: - positive symptoms - negative symptoms - cognitive symptoms ### Positive symptoms Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are not positive as in “good,” but instead represent the addition of behaviors not generally seen in people without the condition. They include: - delusions - hallucinations - disorganized thinking - abnormal body movements #### Delusions If you experience delusions, you believe something that is not true. For instance, you may think you’re in danger and that someone wants to hurt you when there’s no evidence to that effect. #### Hallucinations If you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel something that isn’t real, you’re experiencing hallucinations. For example, people with schizophrenia may hear voices. #### Disorganized thinking If you have schizophrenia, you may find it difficult to organize your thoughts, stop talking in the middle of a thought, or make up words that have no meaning to others. Your way of thinking may seem illogical to other people. #### Irregular body movements If you have schizophrenia, you may experience unusual body movements, including: - **Stereotyped movements:** [Stereotyped movements](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/stereotypic-movement-disorder-symptoms) involve repeating certain motions over and over. - **Catatonia:** No longer responsive to the environment. [Catatonia](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/catatonia) can range from being completely “frozen” and not moving or talking to engaging in excessive activity without an obvious cause. ### Negative symptoms Unlike positive symptoms, which represent additional behavior, negative symptoms are behaviors that are missing or underdeveloped. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include: - a lack of emotional expression - social withdrawal, including talking very little with other people, even in situations when it may be important - difficulties planning or sticking with an activity such as grocery shopping A mental health professional may use the terms: - **Affective flattening:** lack of emotional expression - **Alogia:** poverty of speech - **Avolition:** difficulties planning or sticking with everyday activities ### Common misconception: People with schizophrenia are dangerous The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not aggressive and are more frequently the victims of violence than they are the perpetrators. Though hostility and aggression can be associated with schizophrenia, spontaneous or random assault is uncommon. There is no need to be afraid of a person with schizophrenia. ### Cognitive symptoms Schizophrenia can affect your memory and how you think. It’s not easy to detect these symptoms because they can be subtle. Tests can detect cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Cognitive symptoms include: - difficulty processing information and making decisions - difficulties using information after learning it - trouble focusing or paying attention ### Early symptoms Symptoms of schizophrenia that lead to a diagnosis typically don’t emerge until an individual is in their 20s. However, some symptoms — often milder forms of hallucinations or delusions — may occur before a person experiences [episodes of psychosis](https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-psychotic-episodes-really-look-and-feel-like). These are called prodromal symptoms. For example, you may have unusual perceptual experiences, such as sensing the presence of an unseen person, or your speech may be generally understandable but still vague. Your behavior may also be perceived as unusual but not as grossly disorganized, such as if you mumble in public. ### Symptoms in children and teens Though it’s possible for children and teens to develop schizophrenia, it’s rare. Medical researchers differentiate between two types of schizophrenia in younger people: - **Early onset schizophrenia:** before the age of 18 years - **Childhood-onset schizophrenia:** before the age of 13 years Schizophrenia in children and teens is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be related to other conditions, substance use disorder, or even typical childhood behavior, such as having an imaginary friend. Also, depending on the child’s age, it may be difficult for them to describe their experiences and symptoms. Generally speaking, children and teens with schizophrenia have positive and negative symptoms like adults, but these symptoms may look slightly different. According to the [American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)](https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Schizophrenia-In-Children-049.aspx), symptoms of schizophrenia in children and teens may include: - hallucinations - unusual or eccentric behavior, speech, or both - odd thoughts and ideas - inability to distinguish between television or dreams and reality - confused thinking - unexpected academic difficulties - extreme moodiness - changes in personality - signs of [paranoia](https://psychcentral.com/pro/new-therapist/2020/07/paranoia-is-more-than-fear#1), such as the idea that people are out to get them - severe anxiety and fearfulness - difficulty connecting with peers or keeping friends - increasingly withdrawn or isolated - neglecting personal grooming ## [When to see a doctor]() Symptoms of schizophrenia, especially episodes of psychosis, may lead you to feel distressed. If you believe that you have symptoms of schizophrenia, speak with a healthcare professional. The sooner you begin your personalized treatment plan, the better you may feel. If you’re concerned because someone you care about shows signs of schizophrenia, encourage them to seek help. Support from family and friends can be vital for people with schizophrenia. If you or someone close to your child, such as a teacher, notices early symptoms of schizophrenia, speak with your family physician. You can ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in children with schizophrenia. Keep in mind that with treatment and support, you’ll be able to control and reduce the severity of schizophrenia symptoms. ### Suicidal Thoughts About [5%](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) of people with schizophrenia die by suicide. That’s a larger percentage than in the general population. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now: - Call the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) 24 hours a day at 988. - Text “HOME” to the [Crisis Textline](https://www.crisistextline.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsPDQrdXH5wIVBRx9Ch1YdQjIEAAYASAAEgJ_1_D_BwE) at 741741. - Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with [Befrienders Worldwide](https://www.befrienders.org/). 12 sourcescollapsed - American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association - Bartlett J. (2014). Childhood-onset schizophrenia: What do we really know? <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345999/> - Driver DI, et al. (2013). Childhood onset schizophrenia and early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1056499313000242?via%3Dihub](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1056499313000242?via%3Dihub) - Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the national survey on drug use and health \[internet\]. (2016). <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t22/> - Kendhari J, et al. (2016). A review of childhood-onset schizophrenia. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526799/> - Schizophrenia. (2024). <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/index.shtml> - Schizophrenia. (n.d.). <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml> - Schizophrenia \[Fact sheet\]. (2022). <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia> - Schizophrenia. (2023). <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/schizophrenia/> - Schizophrenia in children. (2018). <https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Schizophrenia-In-Children-049.aspx> - Tsai J, et al. (2013). Psychiatric comorbidity among adults with schizophrenia: A latent class analysis. (2013). - What is schizophrenia? (2024). <https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia> [FEEDBACK:]()  Medically reviewed by [Bethany Juby, PsyD](https://www.psychcentral.com/reviewers/bethany-juby-psyd) — Written by [John M. Grohol, Psy.D.](https://www.psychcentral.com/authors/john-m-grohol-psy-d) — Updated on June 12, 2025 ## More in [Reimagining a Life with Schizophrenia](https://www.psychcentral.com/program/reimagining-a-life-with-schizophrenia) - [Schizophrenia Spectrum: What Does It Mean?](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-spectrum) - [What Are the ‘Positive’ Symptoms of Schizophrenia?](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/positive-symptoms-schizophrenia) - [Psychosis and Schizophrenia: What to Know](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia) - [All About Schizophrenia in Men](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-in-men) - [View all](https://www.psychcentral.com/program/reimagining-a-life-with-schizophrenia) ### Read this next - [20-Somethings and Schizophrenia](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-usually-strikes-first-in-young-adults?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Nicole Washington, DO, MPH](https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team) [Unlike nearly all other mental illnesses, schizophrenia's onset is usually not until a person's 20s. We're exploring why.](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-usually-strikes-first-in-young-adults?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-usually-strikes-first-in-young-adults?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Illuminating 9 Myths of Schizophrenia](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-myths?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Tiffany Taft, PsyD](https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team) [Schizophrenia is a highly misunderstood mental health condition. We’re busting nine schizophrenia myths to reduce the stigma.](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-myths?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-myths?utm_source=ReadNext) - [All About Acute Schizophrenia](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/acute-schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) [Acute schizophrenia involves noticeable outward-facing schizophrenia symptoms. How long it lasts, and more, here.](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/acute-schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/acute-schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) - [The Ongoing Challenges of Schizophrenia](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/the-ongoing-challenges-of-schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Nicole Washington, DO, MPH](https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team) [Schizophrenia symptoms can create ripple effects in other areas of people's lives. Learn more.](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/the-ongoing-challenges-of-schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/the-ongoing-challenges-of-schizophrenia?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Psych Central, a Healthline Media Company. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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You may receive a schizophrenia diagnosis if you experience [at least two](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t22/) of the following symptoms for at least 1 month, and symptoms of the condition — possibly in milder form — persist for at least 6 months. Also, at least one symptom must be from among the first three on this list: - delusions - hallucinations - disorganized speech, such as frequent derailment or incoherence - grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior - negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression or total lack of motivation To receive a schizophrenia diagnosis, your healthcare professional will also consider the degree to which symptoms negatively affect different aspects of your life, such as your work, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, or self-care. Your healthcare professional will also rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as: - [schizoaffective disorder](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/schizoaffective-disorder-symptoms#1) - mood disorder with psychotic features - [autism spectrum disorder](https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-spectrum-disorder-symptoms) - a general medical condition - [substance use disorder](https://psychcentral.com/addictions/substance-use-disorder-symptoms) Note that about [half of people](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) with schizophrenia have co-occurring mental or behavioral health conditions, such as [depression and anxiety,](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23726869/) that can lead to even greater distress and impairment. Females tend to develop symptoms in their early 20s to early 30s, compared with males in their late teens to early 20s. Though it’s possible for younger people to develop schizophrenia, it’s rare. Symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: - positive symptoms - negative symptoms - cognitive symptoms Positive symptoms Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are not positive as in “good,” but instead represent the addition of behaviors not generally seen in people without the condition. They include: - delusions - hallucinations - disorganized thinking - abnormal body movements Delusions If you experience delusions, you believe something that is not true. For instance, you may think you’re in danger and that someone wants to hurt you when there’s no evidence to that effect. Hallucinations If you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel something that isn’t real, you’re experiencing hallucinations. For example, people with schizophrenia may hear voices. Disorganized thinking If you have schizophrenia, you may find it difficult to organize your thoughts, stop talking in the middle of a thought, or make up words that have no meaning to others. Your way of thinking may seem illogical to other people. Irregular body movements If you have schizophrenia, you may experience unusual body movements, including: - **Stereotyped movements:** [Stereotyped movements](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/stereotypic-movement-disorder-symptoms) involve repeating certain motions over and over. - **Catatonia:** No longer responsive to the environment. [Catatonia](https://psychcentral.com/disorders/catatonia) can range from being completely “frozen” and not moving or talking to engaging in excessive activity without an obvious cause. Negative symptoms Unlike positive symptoms, which represent additional behavior, negative symptoms are behaviors that are missing or underdeveloped. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include: - a lack of emotional expression - social withdrawal, including talking very little with other people, even in situations when it may be important - difficulties planning or sticking with an activity such as grocery shopping A mental health professional may use the terms: - **Affective flattening:** lack of emotional expression - **Alogia:** poverty of speech - **Avolition:** difficulties planning or sticking with everyday activities Cognitive symptoms Schizophrenia can affect your memory and how you think. It’s not easy to detect these symptoms because they can be subtle. Tests can detect cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Cognitive symptoms include: - difficulty processing information and making decisions - difficulties using information after learning it - trouble focusing or paying attention Early symptoms Symptoms of schizophrenia that lead to a diagnosis typically don’t emerge until an individual is in their 20s. However, some symptoms — often milder forms of hallucinations or delusions — may occur before a person experiences [episodes of psychosis](https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-psychotic-episodes-really-look-and-feel-like). These are called prodromal symptoms. For example, you may have unusual perceptual experiences, such as sensing the presence of an unseen person, or your speech may be generally understandable but still vague. Your behavior may also be perceived as unusual but not as grossly disorganized, such as if you mumble in public. Symptoms in children and teens Though it’s possible for children and teens to develop schizophrenia, it’s rare. Medical researchers differentiate between two types of schizophrenia in younger people: - **Early onset schizophrenia:** before the age of 18 years - **Childhood-onset schizophrenia:** before the age of 13 years Schizophrenia in children and teens is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be related to other conditions, substance use disorder, or even typical childhood behavior, such as having an imaginary friend. Also, depending on the child’s age, it may be difficult for them to describe their experiences and symptoms. Generally speaking, children and teens with schizophrenia have positive and negative symptoms like adults, but these symptoms may look slightly different. - hallucinations - unusual or eccentric behavior, speech, or both - odd thoughts and ideas - inability to distinguish between television or dreams and reality - confused thinking - unexpected academic difficulties - extreme moodiness - changes in personality - signs of [paranoia](https://psychcentral.com/pro/new-therapist/2020/07/paranoia-is-more-than-fear#1), such as the idea that people are out to get them - severe anxiety and fearfulness - difficulty connecting with peers or keeping friends - increasingly withdrawn or isolated - neglecting personal grooming Symptoms of schizophrenia, especially episodes of psychosis, may lead you to feel distressed. If you believe that you have symptoms of schizophrenia, speak with a healthcare professional. The sooner you begin your personalized treatment plan, the better you may feel. If you’re concerned because someone you care about shows signs of schizophrenia, encourage them to seek help. Support from family and friends can be vital for people with schizophrenia. If you or someone close to your child, such as a teacher, notices early symptoms of schizophrenia, speak with your family physician. You can ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in children with schizophrenia. Keep in mind that with treatment and support, you’ll be able to control and reduce the severity of schizophrenia symptoms.