Schizophrenia is a pathology whose diagnosis is very complex, as it highlights a series of rather controversial clinical precedents. It is not possible to self-diagnose it, but it is necessary to consult a specialized doctor, such as a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. Only a qualified mental health professional can produce an accurate diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, if you fear that you are a schizophrenic person, you can follow some criteria that will allow you to understand how it manifests itself and if you are at risk.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Identifying Typical Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Step 1. Recognize the characteristic symptoms (criterion A)
To be able to diagnose schizophrenia, you must first go to a doctor who specializes in mental health who will look for symptoms in five specific "fields": delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and thinking, disorganization or movement abnormalities (including catatonia) and negative symptoms (i.e. those that reflect extravagant behavior).
At least two (or more) of these symptoms must occur. Each must show up frequently over a month's period (less if symptoms have been treated). At least one of the two symptoms must relate to the presence of delusions, hallucinations or disorganized speech
Step 2. Consider if you have delusions
Delusions are irrational beliefs that often arise in response to the perception of a threat that is largely or completely denied by other people. They persist despite evidence denying otherwise.
- There is a difference between delusion and suspicion. Sometimes, many people have irrational suspicions. For example, they believe that a colleague may harm them or that bad luck haunts them. The discriminating factor is whether these beliefs cause despair or prevent you from living healthily.
- For example, if you are so convinced that the government is spying on you that you refuse to leave the house to go to work or school, that belief is compromising your life.
- Sometimes delusions can be bizarre - for example, you believe you are an animal or a supernatural entity. If you've convinced yourself of something beyond all possible reality, it could be a sign of schizophrenic delusion (but it's certainly not the only possibility).
Step 3. Ask yourself if you are hallucinating
Hallucinations are sensory phenomena in which the subject perceives as real what is actually created by the mind. The most common are auditory (noises are heard), visual (objects and people are seen), olfactory (smells are heard) or tactile (for example, beings crawling on the skin are heard). Hallucinations can occur in any of the five sensory modalities.
For example, notice if you often have the sensation of something crawling on your body. Do you hear voices when no one is around? Do you see things that "shouldn't" be in a certain place or that no one else sees?
Step 4. Take into account your religious beliefs and the culture you live in
If you are convinced of something that others think is "strange", it does not mean that you are having a delusion. Likewise, if you see things that others don't see, it doesn't always mean you suffer from dangerous hallucinations. A personal opinion can be defined as "delusional" or dangerous in relation to the cultural and religious rules that apply in the context in which it occurs. Usually, a belief or worldview is considered a sign of psychosis or schizophrenia only if it creates obstacles that affect the smooth running of daily life.
- For example, the belief that evil deeds will be punished by "fate" or "karma" may seem delusional in some cultures, but not in others.
- What is called hallucination is also the result of an introjection of cultural instances. For example, in many cultures, children may have auditory or visual hallucinations - such as hearing the voice of a deceased relative - without being considered psychotic and developing any form of psychosis later in life.
- Those who are very religious are more likely to see or hear certain things such as the voice of the god they believe in or the appearance of an angel. Many faiths accept these experiences as authentic and fruitful, even as something to be sought. Unless they cause discomfort and endanger the person or others, these visions are generally not a cause for concern.
Step 5. Consider if language and thinking are disorganized
Generally speaking, when language and thought are disorganized, they appear clearly. If you are a schizophrenic, you may find it difficult to answer questions effectively or comprehensively. Your answers can revolve around the topic, be fragmented or incomplete. In many cases, disorganized language is accompanied by an inability or reluctance to sustain eye contact or use non-verbal communication, including gestures or other forms of body language. To find out if you are experiencing this symptom, you will likely need help from others.
- In severe cases, language can be reduced to a "word salad", a string of terms or concepts that have no relation to each other or make sense to the ears of the listener.
- As with the other symptoms listed in this section, you must consider the disorganization of language and thought within the social and cultural context in which it occurs. For example, according to some faiths, anyone who comes into contact with a religious figure speaks in a strange or incomprehensible way. Furthermore, his discourse is structured very differently according to cultural affiliation, so a reasoning may seem "strange" or "disorganized" to an outsider who is not familiar with the same cultural rules and traditions.
- Your language can only seem "disorganized" if others who know the religious and cultural norms to which you belong cannot understand or interpret it (or if it occurs in situations where it "should" be understandable).
Step 6. Identify disorganized or catatonic behavior
It can manifest itself in various ways. You may feel out of focus and, as a result, find it difficult to perform even the simplest actions, such as washing your hands. Suddenly you may feel agitated, ridiculous, or thrilled. "Abnormal" motor behavior can result in inappropriate, excessive, useless movements or accompanied by poor concentration. For example, you might be waving your hands frantically or adopting a weird posture.
Catatonia is another sign of abnormal motor behavior. In the most severe cases of schizophrenia, the subject can remain still and silent for days and days and not react to any external stimulus, such as an argument, nor physical, such as a palpation or a pinch
Step 7. Ask yourself if you suffer from a loss of functionality
Negative symptoms are symptoms that show a "decrease" or decrease in "normal" behavior. For example, a decline in emotional responsiveness or expressiveness can be a "negative symptom". Therefore, you may lose interest in what you once enjoyed doing or feel unmotivated.
- Negative symptoms can also be cognitive, such as difficulty concentrating. They are usually more self-destructive and noticeable in the eyes of others than the inattention or concentration problems that are normally found in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Unlike attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cognitive difficulties occur in most situations and cause major problems in many aspects of life.
Part 2 of 5: Taking into account cohabitation with others
Step 1. Evaluate whether you have problems in your work or social life (criterion B)
The second criterion for diagnosing schizophrenia is "social or occupational dysfunction". It is an alteration that must present itself in a predominant way since you started noticing the symptoms. Many pathologies can compromise work and social life, so even if you are having difficulty in one of the following areas, it does not absolutely mean that you are a schizophrenic person. A dysfunction must occur in at least one of the following aspects:
- Work or study;
- Interpersonal relationships;
- Personal care and hygiene.
Step 2. Think about how you manage your work
One of the criteria on which "dysfunction" is based is whether you are able to fulfill your work obligations. If, on the other hand, you are a full-time student, take into account your performance. Consider the following:
- Do you feel psychologically able to leave the house to go to work or school?
- Have you ever had a hard time arriving on time or showing up regularly somewhere?
- Are there some things in your job that you are now afraid of doing?
- If you are a student, does your performance at school or university leave something to be desired?
Step 3. Reflect on your interpersonal relationships
Evaluate them in light of your normality. If you've always been a private person, the fact that you don't want to socialize isn't necessarily a symptom of social dysfunction. However, if you have noticed that your behaviors and urges have changed to the point that they seem "abnormal," perhaps you should speak to a mental health professional.
- Do you like hanging out with the same people?
- Do you enjoy socializing the way you always have?
- Do you feel like you no longer talk to others as they once did?
- Are you afraid or worried about the idea of interacting with others?
- Are you afraid of being persecuted by people or that people have an ulterior motive towards you?
Step 4. Reflect on how you take care of yourself
By "personal care" we mean the ability to take care of oneself and stay healthy. You should consider this as "normal" behavior. For example, if you are used to playing sports 2-3 times a week, but have not wanted to train for 3 months, it could be a symptom that indicates an alteration. The following behaviors are also signs of a lack of personal care:
- You have started or increased the use of alcohol or drugs;
- You do not sleep well or your sleep cycle varies greatly (for example, you sleep 2 hours one night, 14 hours another, etc.);
- You don't "feel" fit or feel "lifeless";
- Your hygiene has deteriorated;
- You don't take care of the spaces you live in.
Part 3 of 5: Think about other Possibilities
Step 1. Take into account the duration of symptoms (criterion C)
To diagnose schizophrenia, a mental health professional will ask you how long you have been experiencing the complaints and symptoms. To be able to make this diagnosis, the complaints must last at least six months.
- The six-month period should include at least one month of symptoms related to criterion A in "active phase", although it may be shorter if treated.
- The six-month period may also include periods in which "prodromal" or residual symptoms occur. During these phases the manifestation of symptoms may be less severe (ie the symptoms "lessen") or only "negative symptoms" may occur, such as emotional indifference or apathy.
Step 2. Exclude the influence of other diseases (criterion D)
Schizoaffective disorder and depression or bipolar disorder with psychotic features can cause symptoms very similar to those of schizophrenia. Other physical illnesses or trauma, such as stroke and cancer, can also cause psychotic symptoms. This is why it is essential to seek the help of a doctor who specializes in mental health. You cannot make these distinctions alone.
- Your doctor will ask you if you have suffered from manic or depressive episodes while your symptoms were in the "active phase".
- A major depressive episode is accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms for a minimum period of two weeks: depressed mood or a loss of interest and pleasure in things that once thrilled you. It also involves other symptoms that are regular or nearly constant over that period of time, such as major changes in body weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, agitation or dejection, guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating and thinking, or recurring thoughts of death. A mental health doctor will help you figure out if you have experienced a major depressive episode.
- A manic episode takes place over a specific time frame (usually at least a week) when you feel more electrified, irritated, or expansive than usual. In addition, you have at least three other symptoms, such as less need for sleep, too high self-esteem, fickle or confused thoughts, a tendency to distract you, greater involvement in goal-oriented projects, or an excessive enthusiasm for enjoyable activities, particularly those involving a high risk or negative consequences. A mental health doctor will help you figure out if you have suffered from a manic episode.
- It will ask you how long these episodes lasted during the "active phase" of symptoms. If they have been shorter than the duration of the active and residual periods, it may be a sign of schizophrenia.
Step 3. Exclude drug use (criterion E)
The use of alcohol or drugs can cause symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. During the diagnosis, the doctor will make sure that the complaints and symptoms you have experienced do not have a close correlation to the "physiological effects" produced by the use of toxic or illegal substances.
- Prescription drugs can also cause side effects such as hallucinations. Therefore, you need to be diagnosed by a specialist in order to distinguish between the side effects caused by a toxic substance and the symptoms of a disease.
- It is common for substance abuse disorders to occur in conjunction with schizophrenia. Many people with schizophrenia try to "self-medicate" their symptoms with drugs, alcohol, and drugs. Your mental health specialist will help you determine if you have a substance use disorder.
Step 4. Consider the relationship with general developmental delay or autism spectrum disorders
This aspect must also be managed by a specialized doctor. Generalized developmental delay or autism spectrum disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia.
If you have had autism in your family or suffered from other communication disorders in childhood, a diagnosis of schizophrenia will only be made if delusional episodes or hallucinations occur frequently
Step 5. Note that these criteria do not "guarantee" that you are a schizophrenic
The criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia and many other psychiatric diseases are called polythetic. It means that there are many ways to interpret the symptoms and many ways in which they can combine and manifest themselves. Diagnosing schizophrenia can be difficult even for specialist doctors.
- As previously mentioned, it is also possible that symptoms are related to trauma, disease or ailment. Therefore, you must consult a doctor who specializes in mental health to correctly detect any ailments or diseases.
- Cultural uses, as well as social and personal prejudices regarding thought and language can affect the idea of "normality" in relation to behavior.
Part 4 of 5: Taking Measurements
Step 1. Get help from friends and family
Delusional episodes can be difficult to spot on your own. Ask family and friends to help you understand if you have these symptoms.
Step 2. Keep a journal
Write down when you think you are having hallucinations or other symptoms. Keep track of what happens just before or during. This way you will be able to understand the frequency of the episodes and also when you should consult a professional to get a diagnosis.
Step 3. Beware of unusual behaviors
Schizophrenia, especially in adolescents, can slowly set in over 6-9 months. If you notice that you are behaving differently and don't know why, talk to a mental health professional. Do not just "dismiss" strange behaviors as insignificant, especially if they are unusual, cause you discomfort or prevent you from living peacefully. These changes indicate that something is wrong. It may not necessarily be schizophrenia, but it is important to take them into consideration.
Step 4. Take an assessment test
An online test cannot tell you if you have schizophrenia. Only an experienced doctor can produce an accurate diagnosis after tests, examinations and interviews. However, a reliable test can help you figure out what symptoms you may be having and if there is a possibility that it is schizophrenia.
- You can find a number of free self-assessment tests online.
- You can also contact specialists via psychiatrist association websites.
Step 5. Consult a professional
If you are concerned about suffering from schizophrenia, talk to your doctor or psychologist. While you don't usually have the skills to diagnose this condition, it can help you better understand what schizophrenia is and if you need to see a psychiatrist.
Your doctor can also help you rule out other causes related to your symptoms, such as injury or illness
Part 5 of 5: Knowing the People at Risk
Step 1. Keep in mind that the causes of schizophrenia are still under investigation
Although researchers have identified some correlations between certain factors and the development or onset of schizophrenia, the precise cause is still unknown.
Talk to your doctor or mental health specialist about cases of schizophrenia and family conditions
Step 2. Consider if you have relatives with schizophrenia or similar disorders
In part, schizophrenia is a genetic disease. The risk of developing this condition exceeds 10% if there is at least one "first degree" member in the family (for example, a parent or sibling) who has suffered from this disorder.
- If you have a homozygous twin with schizophrenia or both of your parents have been diagnosed with this condition, the risk of developing it is around 40-65%.
- However, around 60% of people who have been diagnosed have no close relatives with schizophrenia.
- If another family member has a schizophrenic-like disorder, such as delusional disorder (or you have it yourself), the risk of developing schizophrenia increases.
Step 3. Determine if you were exposed to certain substances while in the womb
Babies exposed to viruses and toxins or malnourished while growing in the mother's womb are more likely to develop schizophrenia. It mainly occurs if the exposure occurred in the first and second quarters.
- Babies who go into oxygen starvation during childbirth are also more likely to develop schizophrenia.
- Infants born during a famine are at twice the risk of becoming schizophrenic. It can happen because the mother, by not eating properly, is unable to transmit the necessary nutrients to the fetus during pregnancy.
Step 4. Consider your father's age
Studies have shown that there is a relationship between a father's age and the risk of developing schizophrenia. According to research, the development of schizophrenia in children conceived by men aged 50 or over is three times higher than that experienced by men conceived by men aged 25 and over.
The reason is thought to be that the older the father, the more likely his sperm is to be prone to genetic mutations
Advice
- Write down any symptoms. Ask friends or family if they have seen any changes in your behavior.
- Be honest when you tell your doctor about your symptoms. It is important to tell him how they manifest. Your doctor or mental health professional is not there to judge you, but to help you.
- Remember that there are many social and cultural factors that can influence how people perceive and identify schizophrenia. Before consulting a psychiatrist, you may want to do more research on the history of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.
Warnings
- This article contains only medical information, it does not replace the diagnostic or therapeutic process. You cannot self-diagnose schizophrenia. It is a serious mental illness that must be diagnosed and treated by a professional.
- Avoid resorting to self-medication by taking medications, alcohol, or narcotics. You could make it worse, hurt yourself further, or kill yourself.
- Like any other disease, the sooner you get a diagnosis and seek a cure, the better chance you have of surviving and leading a healthy life.
- There is no one-size-fits-all "cure" for schizophrenia. Be wary of treatments or people who want to convince you that you are capable of defeating her on your own, especially if they promise you that it will be a quick and easy path.
