Delusions. Delusions are false personal beliefs that are not part of the person’s culture and do not change, even when other people present proof that the beliefs are not true or logical. People with schizophrenia can have delusions that are quite bizarre, such as believing that neighbors can control their behavior with magnetic waves, people on television are directing special messages to them, or radio stations are broadcasting their thoughts aloud to others. they may also have delusions of grandeur and think they are famous historical figures. People with paranoid schizophrenia can believe that others are deliberately cheating, harassing, poisoning, spying upon, or plotting against them or the people they care about. these beliefs are called delusions of persecution.

Thought Disorder. People with schizophrenia often have unusual thought processes. one dramatic form is disorganized thinking, in which the person has difficulty organizing his or her thoughts or connecting them logically. Speech may be garbled or hard to understand. Another form is “thought blocking,” in which the person stops abruptly in the middle of a thought. When asked why, the person may say that it felt as if the thought had been taken out of his or her head. Finally, the individual might make up unintelligible words, or “neologisms.”

Disorders of Movement. People with schizophrenia can be clumsy and uncoordinated. they may also exhibit involuntary movements and may grimace or exhibit unusual mannerisms. they may repeat certain motions over and over or, in extreme cases, may become catatonic. Catatonia is a state of immobility and unresponsiveness. it was more common when treatment for schizophrenia was not available; fortunately, it is now rare.

The diagnosis of schizophrenia is made from the history and clinical presentation. there are no radiological or blood tests to make the diagnosis. It is important to make an early diagnosis of schizophrenia so that the symptoms can be treated while they are mild. once the symptoms of schizophrenia are established, treatment is difficult and relapse is very common. Most patients with schizophrenia are unaware of their mental health disorder and do not readily seek help. the majority of individuals are encouraged by family members and friends to seek help, but sometimes problems with the law lead to a proper mental health evaluation and diagnosis. Most individuals with paranoid schizophrenia, who seek treatment, can lead a decent quality of life.