Schizophrenia affects approximately 2.7-million Americans, the majority of which start showing signs in their teen years. In the early stages, schizophrenia often goes undiagnosed. This is due to the fact that this condition can sometimes appear with symptoms that would be considered “common adolescent behaviors,” such as fatigue, personality changes, and even hostility.
While there are many early warning signs for schizophrenia, keep in mind that it’s the presence of multiple behaviors (not just a few) that indicate a mental health condition. So, just because your teenager is being moody for a few days, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re schizophrenic. A diagnosis requires much more than that. If you’re concerned about a teen’s mental health, the first step would be to consult a healthcare professional.
In the meantime, here are some warning signs to be wary of…
Withdrawal
Social withdrawal and isolation is common in those suffering from schizophrenia. For example, a once social and friendly kid may suddenly seek isolation and become very suspicious and paranoid of the intentions of others.