Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The condition affects less than 1% of the country’s population. The symptoms associated with the disorder can change the ability to think and act, leading to problems in carrying out day-to-day activities. Typically, those with schizophrenia may require lifelong treatment. However, early detection can help in symptom management. So, here are a few early signs of schizophrenia that one can recognize:

Disorganized thinking and speech
When dealing with schizophrenia, one may experience difficulties in concentrating and maintaining a train of thought. Usually, this sign leads to speech problems. For example, the individual can respond to a question with a completely unrelated answer, repeat words and phrases, or rapidly move from one topic to another.

Lack of emotional expression
The lack of emotional and facial expressions, also known in psychology as “flat affect,” has often been associated with schizophrenia. It refers to emotional numbness, where one can have some trouble trying to feel and express emotions. For instance, one may be delighted, but due to any lack of expression on their face, observers may believe otherwise, leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Social withdrawal or isolation
People with schizophrenia may experience bouts of social withdrawal, which can be triggered by fear and confusion. Alternatively, the urge to withdraw can stem from a loss of interest in social activities and situations. If left unchecked, this sudden loss of social interest can lead to a reduction in social and emotional support. This can further increase anxiety, paving the way for prolonged social withdrawal.

Inappropriate behavior
One of the early signs of schizophrenia is disorganized or inappropriate behavior. A few signs that can indicate such disorganization are a lack of inhibition and impulse control and unpredictable emotional responses, which can seem bizarre or inappropriate to others. Here, as one experiences issues with goal-directed activities, they may have trouble taking care of themselves and interacting with others.

In addition to the above-mentioned early signs of schizophrenia, one can also keep an eye out for issues like a lack of personal hygiene and extreme moodiness.