Signs and Symptoms

While each person’s prodrome is unique, there are some common themes to look out for.

Early signs and symptoms can include any of the following:

Unusual Thinking

• Confusion about what is real and what is imaginary

• Suspiciousness or paranoid thinking

• Feeling that your ideas are or behaviors are being controlled by outside forces

• Unrealistic ideas of special identity or abilities

• Preoccupation with the supernatural

Perceptual Disturbances

• Sensitivity to sounds, easily distracted by background noises

• Hearing things that other people don’t hear

• Seeing things that others don’t see

• Smelling, tasting, or feeling unusual sensations that other people don’t experience

Negative Symptoms

• Wanting to spend more time alone

• Not feeling motivated to do things

• Trouble understanding conversations or written materials

• Difficulty identifying and expressing emotions

Disorganized Symptoms

• Trouble with attention

• Neglect of personal hygiene

• Odd appearance or behavior

• Laughing at odd or inappropriate times

• Problems with communication: vague, confused, muddled, racing or slow speech, difficulty staying on track or getting to the point