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Get expert tips on managing the condition, improving mental health, and enhancing quality of life if you have it. [LEARN MORE](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/) - [1Schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/) - [2Schizophrenia Symptoms](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/) - [3Early Signs of Schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/mental-health-conditions/early-signs-of-schizophrenia/) - [4What Are the Causes of Schizophrenia?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/mental-health-conditions/causes-of-schizophrenia/) - [5Treatment of Schizophrenia: Medication, Therapy, and More](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/treatment/) - [6Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Schizophrenia: How It Works, What It Helps, and More](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/cognitive-remediation-therapy-for-schizophrenia/guide/) [SEE MORE](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/) # Schizophrenia Symptoms Schizophrenia can cause hallucinations, delusions, and other unusual behaviors like confused thinking or speech. By [Lindsey Konkel](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/lindsey-konkel/) Updated on September 20, 2024 Medically Reviewed by [Angela D. Harper, MD](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/angela-d-harper/) ON THIS PAGE - [Symptoms](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/#symptoms) - [Complications](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/#complications) - [Doctor’s Visits](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/#doctors-visits) [Schizophrenia]() ON THIS PAGE - [Symptoms](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/#symptoms) - [Complications](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/#complications) - [Doctor’s Visits](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/symptoms/#doctors-visits) #### #### Next up video playing in 10 seconds ### What Are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia? Psychiatrist Allison Young, MD, describes some common and less-known symptoms of schizophrenia. [Schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/) is a serious brain disorder that can affect your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can cause you to become disconnected from reality and can affect your ability to recognize that you’re experiencing symptoms of the condition. \[1\] Symptoms of schizophrenia may be severe or even disabling. And because many with schizophrenia may not recognize all of their symptoms, it can be tricky to diagnose, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). \[2\] But many of the symptoms can be managed over time with proper [treatment](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/guide/treatment/), and people can live well with schizophrenia. ## Symptoms of Schizophrenia There are five main symptoms of schizophrenia: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized movements, and negative symptoms, which refers to a loss of ability you previously had, such as a new lack of emotional expression. \[1\] These symptoms fall into one of several broader categories, per the American Psychiatric Association (APA): positive symptoms (those which are abnormally present), negative symptoms (those which are abnormally absent), and disorganized symptoms. \[3\] These symptoms may vary in type and severity and can change over time. They usually first appear in a person’s late teens through early thirties, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). \[4\] To be [diagnosed with schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/diagnosed-with-schizophrenia-what-should-i-do-now/), a person must have at least two of the five main symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic. \[1\] ### Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia People with schizophrenia may display psychotic symptoms, meaning they become detached from reality or experience the world in distorted ways. \[4\] These symptoms can be particularly troubling for friends and family. These are what doctors call “positive” symptoms — characteristics or behaviors that are abnormally present. While schizophrenia is one potential cause of psychosis, there can be other causes, such as [dementia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/dementia/guide/), [bipolar disorder](https://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/), or substance use disorder, which is part of why diagnosing schizophrenia can be challenging. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include the following. **Hallucinations** This is when a person hears, sees, smells, or feels things that aren’t really there. Auditory hallucinations — hearing sounds or “voices” that are not really there — are the most common type of hallucination in people with schizophrenia. \[3\] This could come in the form of hearing a clear voice or hearing many less-clear voices, like the noise on a busy subway. Other types of auditory hallucinations include music, nature calls, or animal calls, per Cleveland Clinic. \[5\] Visual hallucinations are less common in schizophrenia and occur more in neurological illnesses, such as certain [forms of dementia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/dementia/guide/), but they tend to be vivid and colorful, and may include scenes with family members, religious figures, or animals, past research has noted. \[6\] **Delusions** These are beliefs that a person with schizophrenia is completely convinced are true, but that are very clearly illogical or untrue to those around them. For example, a person with schizophrenia may believe they’re being watched by another person, followed by the government, or that people on television are sending messages directly to them and require a certain response. \[4\] Many people with schizophrenia may have paranoid delusions, believing that others are trying to harm or plot against them. Paranoid delusions can make it difficult for a person with schizophrenia to cooperate with treatment, research shows. \[7\] ### Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Other schizophrenia symptoms are sometimes referred to as [“negative” symptoms](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/glossary/). This means that the usual and expected ways for someone to interact with their surroundings are abnormally absent. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia can include: \[8\] - Becoming withdrawn and disinterested in daily social interactions - Speaking little, even when forced to interact - Lack of emotional expression when talking (the face may not move, and the voice may be dull and monotonous) - Lack of pleasure in activities - Difficulty focusing or paying attention - Difficulty using information to make decisions - Neglecting physical appearance or hygiene - Severe lack of energy ### Disorganized Symptoms of Schizophrenia These symptoms involve confused and disordered thinking and speech, difficulty with thinking logically, and abnormal movements. **Disorganized Thinking and Speaking** People with schizophrenia may have trouble organizing their thoughts in a logical pattern. Disorganized thinking manifests as disorganized speech. As a result, people with schizophrenia may talk in a jumbled way that’s difficult to understand. \[9\] In rare cases, someone with schizophrenia may put together sentences containing random words with no decipherable meaning to those around them — sometimes known as “word salad,” according to Mayo Clinic. \[10\] **Unusual Body Movements** People with schizophrenia may make unusual movements ranging from agitation to purposeless repetitive movements, states the APA. \[3\] When severe, these movements can interfere with the activities of daily living. Antipsychotic medications taken to treat schizophrenia can cause [tardive dyskinesia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/neurology/tardive-dyskinesia-side-effect-antipsychotics/), a neurological syndrome that causes involuntary movements. \[11\] ### Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia In addition to positive, negative, and disordered symptoms, [cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-impaired-cognition-causes-solutions/) are very common. These symptoms include difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, and educational performance, per the APA. \[3\] Someone who’s experiencing cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia may struggle with: \[12\] - Working memory (short-term memory that allows someone to remember information while working on a task, such as instructions) - Processing speed - Planning - Reasoning - Problem-solving Cognitive problems among people with schizophrenia are known to significantly affect their ability to stay employed, live independently, and function in social settings. \[12\] Poll ### How would you describe your understanding of schizophrenia as a condition? Split personality disorder A chronic brain disorder affecting thoughts, feelings, and behavior Temporary sadness caused by trauma An anxiety disorder ## Potential Complications of Schizophrenia There’s no cure for schizophrenia but symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and social support. If it’s not treated, or if treatment isn’t complied with or isn’t effective, serious complications can occur. These include: \[10\] - Suicidal thoughts and attempts - Depression, anxiety disorders, and [obsessive-compulsive disorder](https://www.everydayhealth.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/guide/) - Substance use disorders - Inability to work or attend school - Financial problems and homelessness - Social isolation - Repeated hospitalizations - Being victimized While schizophrenia can lead to aggressive or violent behavior, people with schizophrenia are more likely to be assaulted rather than cause harm to others. \[10\] ## When to See a Doctor As mentioned earlier, people with schizophrenia may not realize they have symptoms of the disorder and may not seek medical attention on their own — particularly if they’re experiencing paranoia. Family and friends will likely need to help their loved one get a diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional. Early detection of schizophrenia, and treating the symptoms as soon as they appear, can reduce the severity of symptoms, notes NAMI. \[2\] If you’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you should see your doctor if you notice any changes in your symptoms, or if the side effects of your medication are causing you difficulty. \[1\] If you think you’re in immediate danger of hurting yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, advises Cleveland Clinic. \[1\] ## The Takeaway Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Key symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech. Schizophrenia is a complex, challenging condition, but symptoms can often be managed with proper treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, see a doctor, because early treatment can reduce their severity. *Additional reporting by [Christina Vogt](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/christina-vogt/).* ## Resources We Trust Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Pinterest Copy Link - **Mayo Clinic:** [Schizophrenia Symptoms and Causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443) - **National Alliance on Mental Illness:** [My Schizophrenia Checklist](https://www.nami.org/people/my-schizophrenia-checklist/) - **National Institute of Mental Health:** [Schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia) - **Cleveland Clinic:** [Psychosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23012-psychosis) - **American Psychiatric Association:** [What Is Schizophrenia?](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia) Meet Our Experts [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/)   #### Angela D. Harper, MD ##### Medical Reviewer [Castle Connolly Top Doctor](https://www.everydayhealth.com/mra/castle-connolly-top-doctors/) Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adults. A distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Harper has worked as a psychiatrist throughout her career, serving a large number of patients in various settings, including a psychiatric hospital on the inpatient psychiatric and addiction units, a community mental health center, and a 350-bed nursing home and rehab facility. She has provided legal case consultation for a number of attorneys. Harper graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a bachelor's degree and cum laude from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in adult psychiatry. During residency, she won numerous awards, including the Laughlin Fellowship from the American College of Psychiatrists, the Ginsberg Fellowship from the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, and resident of the year and resident medical student teacher of the year. She was also the member-in-training trustee to the American Psychiatric Association board of trustees during her last two years of residency training. Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school's admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents. She currently supervises a nurse practitioner. She is passionate about volunteering for the state medical board's medical disciplinary commission, on which she has served since 2015. She and her husband are avid travelers and have been to over 55 countries and territories. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/angela-d-harper/)   #### Lindsey Konkel ##### Author Lindsey Konkel is an award-winning freelance journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering health, science, and the environment. Her work has appeared online and in print for *Newsweek*, *National Geographic*, Huffington Post, Consumer Reports, Everyday Health, *Science*, *Environmental Health Perspectives*, *UCSF Magazine*, American Association for Cancer Research, and others. She previously worked as an editor and staff writer at Environmental Health News. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from NYU’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program and a bachelor’s degree in biology from College of the Holy Cross. Konkel lives in Haddon Township, New Jersey, with her husband, daughter, three cats, and dog. When she isn't writing, she handles social media and content marketing for a small veterinary clinic she started with her husband, Neabore Veterinary Clinic. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/lindsey-konkel/) [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/) EDITORIAL SOURCES Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our [editorial policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/). We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Sources Resources 1. Schizophrenia. [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia). 2. Schizophrenia. [National Alliance on Mental Illness](https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia/). 3. What Is Schizophrenia? [American Psychiatric Association](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia). 4. Schizophrenia. [National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia). 5. Auditory Hallucinations. [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23233-auditory-hallucinations). 6. Teeple RC et al. Visual Hallucinations: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment. [*Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2660156). 2009\. 7. Acosta FJ et al. Medication Adherence in Schizophrenia. [*World Journal of Psychiatry*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782179/). October 10, 2012. 8. Mosolov SN et al. Primary and Secondary Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia. [*Frontiers in Psychiatry*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8761803/). 2021\. 9. Symptoms - Schizophrenia. [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms). February 12, 2021. 10. Schizophrenia - Symptoms and Causes. [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443). 11. Tardive Dyskinesia. [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6125-tardive-dyskinesia). 12. Tripathi A et al. Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia: Understanding the Biological Correlates and Remediation Strategies. [*Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5810454/). February 2018.   Sign up for our Mental Wellness Newsletter\! 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There are five main symptoms of schizophrenia: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized movements, and negative symptoms, which refers to a loss of ability you previously had, such as a new lack of emotional expression. These symptoms fall into one of several broader categories, per the American Psychiatric Association (APA): positive symptoms (those which are abnormally present), negative symptoms (those which are abnormally absent), and disorganized symptoms. These symptoms may vary in type and severity and can change over time. They usually first appear in a person’s late teens through early thirties, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). To be [diagnosed with schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/diagnosed-with-schizophrenia-what-should-i-do-now/), a person must have at least two of the five main symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic. ### Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia People with schizophrenia may display psychotic symptoms, meaning they become detached from reality or experience the world in distorted ways. These symptoms can be particularly troubling for friends and family. These are what doctors call “positive” symptoms — characteristics or behaviors that are abnormally present. While schizophrenia is one potential cause of psychosis, there can be other causes, such as [dementia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/dementia/guide/), [bipolar disorder](https://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/), or substance use disorder, which is part of why diagnosing schizophrenia can be challenging. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include the following. **Hallucinations** This is when a person hears, sees, smells, or feels things that aren’t really there. Auditory hallucinations — hearing sounds or “voices” that are not really there — are the most common type of hallucination in people with schizophrenia. This could come in the form of hearing a clear voice or hearing many less-clear voices, like the noise on a busy subway. Other types of auditory hallucinations include music, nature calls, or animal calls, per Cleveland Clinic. Visual hallucinations are less common in schizophrenia and occur more in neurological illnesses, such as certain [forms of dementia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/dementia/guide/), but they tend to be vivid and colorful, and may include scenes with family members, religious figures, or animals, past research has noted. **Delusions** These are beliefs that a person with schizophrenia is completely convinced are true, but that are very clearly illogical or untrue to those around them. For example, a person with schizophrenia may believe they’re being watched by another person, followed by the government, or that people on television are sending messages directly to them and require a certain response. Many people with schizophrenia may have paranoid delusions, believing that others are trying to harm or plot against them. Paranoid delusions can make it difficult for a person with schizophrenia to cooperate with treatment, research shows. ### Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Other schizophrenia symptoms are sometimes referred to as [“negative” symptoms](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/glossary/). This means that the usual and expected ways for someone to interact with their surroundings are abnormally absent. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia can include: - Becoming withdrawn and disinterested in daily social interactions - Speaking little, even when forced to interact - Lack of emotional expression when talking (the face may not move, and the voice may be dull and monotonous) - Lack of pleasure in activities - Difficulty focusing or paying attention - Difficulty using information to make decisions - Neglecting physical appearance or hygiene - Severe lack of energy ### Disorganized Symptoms of Schizophrenia These symptoms involve confused and disordered thinking and speech, difficulty with thinking logically, and abnormal movements. **Disorganized Thinking and Speaking** People with schizophrenia may have trouble organizing their thoughts in a logical pattern. Disorganized thinking manifests as disorganized speech. As a result, people with schizophrenia may talk in a jumbled way that’s difficult to understand. In rare cases, someone with schizophrenia may put together sentences containing random words with no decipherable meaning to those around them — sometimes known as “word salad,” according to Mayo Clinic. **Unusual Body Movements** People with schizophrenia may make unusual movements ranging from agitation to purposeless repetitive movements, states the APA. When severe, these movements can interfere with the activities of daily living. Antipsychotic medications taken to treat schizophrenia can cause [tardive dyskinesia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/neurology/tardive-dyskinesia-side-effect-antipsychotics/), a neurological syndrome that causes involuntary movements. ### Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia In addition to positive, negative, and disordered symptoms, [cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-impaired-cognition-causes-solutions/) are very common. These symptoms include difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, and educational performance, per the APA. Someone who’s experiencing cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia may struggle with: - Working memory (short-term memory that allows someone to remember information while working on a task, such as instructions) - Processing speed - Planning - Reasoning - Problem-solving Cognitive problems among people with schizophrenia are known to significantly affect their ability to stay employed, live independently, and function in social settings.