The Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental condition that can significantly impact an individual’s personal life, relationships, and career. Someone with this condition may experience different positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. By looking at the individual’s overall symptoms, doctors can diagnose their mental health condition and choose the right treatment plan. If you’re looking for an addiction treatment program near me, contact the Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental condition that doctors commonly diagnose between the ages of 16 and 30. While it is more common in men than women, it can occur in both genders. Men are more likely to develop the condition earlier in life than women. There are positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. When someone has positive symptoms, it means there are symptoms that humans do not usually have. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve the absence of ordinary thoughts, feelings, and actions. No one has all of the symptoms of schizophrenia at any point in time. In addition, many symptoms will come and go over days, months, or years.

What Are the Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms tend to include things like hallucinations, disorganized thinking, delusions, and mental confusion. Meanwhile, negative symptoms involve a lack of normal cognitive function. This may relate to a problem with the individual’s actions, thoughts, and perceptions. The individual may have trouble with their speech. They may talk less often, no longer show their feelings, and lack a sense of pleasure or enjoyment. Often, the individual will withdraw from their family and friends. They may seem like a hermit and be highly apathetic. Many clients have a flattening of their voice and demeanor. This means that they have a lack of emotions, which can involve things like speaking in a monotone or showing a lack of enthusiasm. Many people with schizophrenia struggle with day-to-day life. They may have poor grooming habits or an inability to follow through on their plans. Since depression is also a potential cause of some of these symptoms, it is essential to get a professional diagnosis. Once the individual is diagnosed, they can determine the best steps for treating their disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

These can vary from person to person. Individuals with schizophrenia must receive treatment as soon as possible to manage their symptoms and live healthy lives. The most common symptoms of schizophrenia include:

  • Hallucinations—hearing or seeing things that are not there
  • Delusions—false beliefs about reality
  • Disorganization—difficulty thinking, organizing, and speaking coherently
  • Poor concentration—lack of focus on tasks
  • Social withdrawal—avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself
  • Loss of motivation—apathy and lack of interest in activities
  • Limited emotional expression—limited facial expressions, flat affect, little emotion or enthusiasm
  • Cognitive deficits—problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, etc.

These are the most common negative symptoms of schizophrenia that can affect an individual and their daily life. It’s essential to seek help from professionals if these symptoms are being experienced.

Treatment for Schizophrenia with the Santé Center for Healing

In the right Texas mental health treatment center, clients can learn more about how to treat their symptoms. An initial evaluation helps the treatment center discover more about the client and their unique needs. Then, the client can get a diagnosis and begin their treatment. At the treatment center, clients can find support through options such as:

  • Individualized treatment therapy
  • Social activities
  • Educational programs
  • Trauma and individual therapy program
  • Treatment for co-occurring disorders

No one has to experience the negative symptoms of schizophrenia on their own. The Santé Center for Healing is here to help whether you have a mental illness or substance abuse problem. We have years of experience in treating a wide variety of issues within our research-based programs. Discover more information about everything we offer by calling us today at 866.238.3154.