Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder characterized by an inability to distinguish between the real and imaginary world. The patient’s perception of reality is altered and lost in most cases. This condition is more severe in men than women.

And here are some early warning signs:

1. Behavioral changes include social withdrawal, hostility or suspiciousness, depression, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and extreme reaction to criticism.

2. Hygiene concerns increase with deterioration of personal hygiene, oversleeping or insomnia.

3. Other warning signs are a flat, expressionless gaze, inability to cry or express joy, inappropriate laughter or crying, strange use of words or way of speaking, odd or irrational statements.

Here are some four common symptoms of Schizophrenia:

1. Delusions

Delusions occurring in more than 90% of patients are characterized by illogical, bizarre ideas and fantasies. Four recorded types of delusionary behavior include delusions of persecution, reference, grandeur and control. Patients believe in plots to get them (persecution), that an established neutral environment like a TV anchor is sending him/her a message (reference), that he or she is an important person with extraordinary powers (grandeur). Also patients are convinced that others can control their thought broadcasting, thought insertion and thought withdrawal.

2. Hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations are most common with patients hearing their own inner self-talk from outside. Patients predominantly hear critical, vulgar and abusive talk. Visual hallucinations can also happen. This condition worsens when the person is alone.

3. Disorganized speech

Speech disharmony is demonstrated by four salient characteristics:- Speaking with loose associations and no connection between one thought and next. - Neologisms or coining words or phrases that only they can understand.- Perseveration or constant repetition of words.- Clang or meaningless use of rhyming words.

4. Disorganized behavior

Goal based activity is hampered by this condition making the person unable to care for oneself, work and interact with others. Observed disorganized behavior includes daily function declines, unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses, bizarre behavior, no inhibition or impulse control.