What are the main signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?

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    Louie Neri

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    Morgan Pfiffner, Natalka Roshak
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    The main signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are categorized into positive (additional) symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, and negative (reductive) symptoms, like reduced speech and lack of motivation. Additionally, catatonia and cognitive impairments, which affect memory and attention, are also recognized symptoms, which typically emerge between the ages of 16 and 30.

    Symptoms of schizophrenia are broken down into two main categories:

    • Positive symptoms — experiences that add to existing emotions or thoughts — such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking.

    • Negative symptoms — experiences that subtract from emotions or thoughts — such as reduced speech, lack of motivation, and decreased emotional expression.

    Catatonia, which is characterized by repetitive non-goal directed movements, unresponsiveness, and episodes of overactivity or immobility, is another common symptom of schizophrenia. Additionally, cognitive impairment, which can affect things like memory, processing speed, and attention, has recently been recognized as a symptom of schizophrenia. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin to appear between the ages of 16 and 30.[1][2]

    What are the main signs and symptoms of schizophrenia? - Examine