How Do You Tell If Someone Is Schizophrenic?
Schizophrenia is a severe and disabling mental condition that affects approximately 2 million Americans each year. People with schizophrenia often experience terrifying symptoms, such as hearing voices or believing that other people are plotting against them. These thoughts cause schizophrenic people to become disorganized mentally and physically. Treatment may relieve many symptoms, but most schizophrenics continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives. Look for the suspected schizophrenic to exhibit two or more of the symptoms associated with schizophrenia (described in the following steps) for a significant duration in one month. Listen for stories he shares that exhibit delusional behavior. He may tell you that people are conspiring against or “out to get” him. Take note when he tells you he is receiving personal messages through the radio, television or in reading material. Look for somatic delusions. He may tell you he has an illness or foreign object inside his body. Wa
