Schizophrenia?what are the symptoms?

The DSM-IV (Psychology's diagnostic guide) has this as the diagnostic criteria:
Schizophrenia

A. Characteristic symptoms: Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month prior (or less if successfully treated):
(1) delusions (beliefs/thoughts that seem real, but are not true)
(2) hallucinations (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling things)
(3) disorganized speech
(4) grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
(5) negative symptoms (i.e. affective flattening, alogia, or avolition)

Note: Only Criterion A symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other.
B. Social/occupational dysfunction: For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset
C. Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least 6 months. This 6-month period must include at least 1 month of symptoms (less if successfully treated) that meet Criterion A and may include periods of prodromal or residual symptoms. During these prodromal or residual periods, the signs of the disturbance may be manifested by only negative symptoms or two of more symptoms listed in Criterion A present in an attenuated form (i.e. odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experience).
D. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion: Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder with Psychotic Features have been ruled out
E. Substance/general medical condition exclusion: The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition.
F. Relationship to a Pervasive Developmental Disorder: If there is a history of Autism or other PDD, the additional diagnosis of Schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least one month.

Other info:
Most first psychotic breaks occur in the late teens to early 20s.

There are 5 types of schizophrenia: Paranoid type, Disorganized type, Catatonic Type, and Undifferentiated type.

Physical changes- They are increased risk for type II diabetes and hyperlipidemia due to side effects of atypical antipsychotics. Some, but not all, are overweight due to lack of education in nutrition.

Emotional changes- People with schizophrenia may suffer from depression or anxiety due to the isolating effects of the disorder. They may be ostracized by family and friends. Up to 50% of all patients with schizophrenia may also meet criteria for substance abuse due to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

I also wanted to dispel some schizophrenia myths:
Schizophrenia does not mean that you have multiple personalities. People with schizophrenia may be psychotic (hallucinations, etc), but they do not split. Multiple personalities is NOT Dissociative Identity Disorder.

People with schizophrenia are not violent. There is no evidence that shows that people with schizophrenia are more violent than the rest of the population. However, if a person with schizophrenia commits a crime, the media jumps on top of it and blows it out of proportion.

People with schizophrenia are not stupid. They may be disorganized, but most still have average intelligence.

Schizophrenia is not demon possession. There are valid studies that show differences in the ventricles of a schizophrenic brain.

Schizophenia is not caused by bad parenting. The schizophrenigenic mother theory was refuted long ago.

Schizophrenia cannot be cured. Okay, this one is true. Schizophrenia is a persistent, serious mental illness. It can't be cured. But the symptoms can be successfully controlled with medication. While not perfect, the medication can address most symptoms. In severe cases, fully integrated treatment, combining medication, therapy, psychosocial services, and case management is helpful.

paranoia will destroy ya
You have to experience black outs (periods of time missing etc.) in order to be truly Schizo. Also to be categorised schizo you have to have Multiple Personalities. Like a lot not just talking to yourself! And again this is why the blackouts.
Hearing or seeing things that others don't see, paranoia, inappropriate thought patterns, inability to use logic and reason, religious ideations (thinking you are a deity or talking to one), believing the radio or TV is telling you to do things, or your thoughts are being heard by those around you, to name a few.
RN retired
Cut all the crap ......
visit this site....
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx31.h...
i take meds for schizophrenia