Schizophrenia: the 9 early signs that should alert

Schizophrenia affects more than 660,000 people in France and can manifest itself in early adulthood, between 15 and 25 years old. On the occasion of Schizophrenia Days, a look back at the main signs of this little-known mental pathology.

Schizophrenia is surely the most misunderstood mental illness and the most stigmatized today. It can be characterized by strange manifestations – auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions or incoherent remarks – but also by symptoms such as depression, apathy or cognitive disorders (memory, motor and attention).

On the same subject

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In France, schizophrenia affects about one in 100 peoplewithout distinction of sex, social background or geographical origin. 57% of patients treated are men43% are women.

According to the association PositiveMindersbehind the creation of the Schizophrenia Days in 2004, 85% of the 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year are between 15 and 25 years old.

Everything is decided before 25 years

On average, young people access a diagnosis only 2 to 4 years after the onset of the first disorders (in the best of cases) due to stigmatization and denial of the disease. In total, 30% of people suffering from schizophrenia are not even followed up at all.

But if the diagnosis is made in time, the chances of getting out of the disease are good. 60% of young people with psychosis recover socially within two years with early intervention. In 80% of cases, symptoms improve as soon as they are treated. It is established that 50-70% of people with schizophrenia recover. Conversely, only 15% of young people reintegrate socially within two years by following a traditional path.

A prevention campaign to fight against the excesses of social networks

At a time of the democratization of social networks and the liberation of speech around topics around mental health, psychologists and psychiatrists warn against unhealthy attraction and self-diagnosis on social networks.

On the occasion of Schizophrenia Days, the association PositiveMinders launched on March 15 the campaign “schizOdyssey“, 100% digital with testimonials from patients, relatives… Through these portraits, the association wants to raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease, friends, and also the struggles of patients who want to get out of it.

More info on the campaign: Schizinfo

Source : PositiveMinders, press release March 2022.

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Bad sleeping habits
From one day to the next, your teenager begins to change his sleep habits and live the night. It can be an early sign of schizophrenia. Repeated insomnia can even be responsible for the occurrence of suicidal thoughts or acts (in the worst case).

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cannabis use. Indeed, the people most likely to develop this disorder are those who smoke cannabis and conversely, lovers of this substance are more at risk of being schizophrenic. Another Danish study, also published in 2016, revealed that cannabis smokers were 5 times more likely to suffer from schizophrenia.
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A social withdrawal
Schizophrenics tend to fall back on themselves and protect themselves from conflict by taking refuge in the solitude. Aggravated by demotivation, the patient will show a total lack of interest in the outside world, and no longer sees his friends, or stops his leisure activities.
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A lack of focus
While the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, the disease may begin with disturbances in concentration, memory and executive functions: each task, such as preparing a meal, becomes an enormous effort.
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6/9 –

Serious hygiene issues
Sometimes people with schizophrenia stop caring and neglect their physical appearance, the place where they live and especially their personal hygiene.