Schizophrenia is no longer an unfamiliar condition. However, early detection of its symptoms remains a significant challenge for many patients and their families. In today’s article, we share in-depth information provided by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Hoang Yen, one of Vietnam’s leading experts in psychiatry. This will serve as a key guide for individuals to recognize signs early and intervene promptly, giving patients a better chance for recovery.

What is schizophrenia?

To better understand the signs of schizophrenia, we first need to grasp the nature of this disorder. According to Dr. Nguyen Hoang Yen, schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental disorder that tends to progress in episodes. It usually begins in young people, particularly between the ages of 16 and 30, with a higher prevalence in men than in women.

Schizophrenia is not simply about “losing one’s mind,” as commonly misunderstood. It is a brain dysfunction that makes it difficult for patients to distinguish between reality and illusion, leading to severe impairments in thinking, emotions, and behavior. If not detected and treated properly, the disorder can result in long-term social, occupational, and personal consequences.

Importantly, the illness does not appear suddenly. It often emerges gradually through subtle, hard-to-recognize signs before developing into clearly noticeable symptoms. Therefore, monitoring the early signs of schizophrenia is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Signs of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia does not develop suddenly but usually progresses through three main stages. At each stage, patients exhibit different symptoms, ranging from subtle to pronounced. Recognizing these changes is essential for early detection and timely intervention.

Prodromal stage: This is when the first changes quietly begin to appear.

This is the most difficult stage to recognize, as the signs of schizophrenia are not yet clear and can easily be mistaken for stress, depression, or temporary mood disorders.

Some notable symptoms include:

• Changes in social behavior: The patient begins to withdraw, avoid friends and family, and loses interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

• Difficulty concentrating: They frequently lose focus, experience declining academic or work performance, forget things easily, and handle tasks less efficiently.

• Emotional instability: They may become easily irritated, anxious without reason, sometimes laugh to themselves, or appear cold and indifferent.

• Sleep and daily routine disturbances: Prolonged insomnia, irregular daily schedules, and irregular eating habits.

At this stage, patients often do not recognize their own abnormalities. Therefore, the role of family and close relatives is extremely important in observing and encouraging early medical consultation.

Active stage: Psychotic symptoms become clearly apparent

When the illness progresses to the active stage, the symptoms become pronounced and can seriously disrupt daily life. This is the stage where the typical signs of schizophrenia become evident.

Delusions

Patients may believe they are being monitored, trapped, or possess supernatural abilities. These thoughts are not based in reality but are extremely strong and difficult to change.
Example: A patient may believe neighbors have installed cameras to watch them or think they are “chosen” to save the world.

Hallucinations

The most common are auditory hallucinations, where patients hear voices in their head that may insult, command, or whisper to them. Some cases also involve visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not real) or olfactory and tactile hallucinations.

Disordered speech and thinking

• Disjointed speech, lacking coherence in communication

• Thoughts that are hard to follow, jumping from one idea to another illogically

• Sometimes responses are off-topic or words used are strange

Behavioral changes

Patients may exhibit unusual behaviors such as standing motionless for hours, repeating gestures, or becoming agitated and aggressive toward others.

Loss of motivation and functional decline

Patients lose interest in life, lack motivation for work, study, or personal hygiene. This is dangerous because they may withdraw completely from society and, in severe cases, engage in self-harm or suicidal actions.

Maintenance stage: Symptoms improve but are not fully resolved

After receiving acute treatment and experiencing symptom relief, patients enter the maintenance stage. However, signs of schizophrenia may still persist at a mild or “dormant” level, and the disorder carries a high risk of relapse if not closely monitored.

Potential relapse signs

• Becoming unusually quiet and unwilling to communicate

• Prolonged difficulty sleeping, feelings of unease or restlessness

• Beginning to hear voices in the head again, though mild and repetitive

• Signs of returning delusional thoughts, loss of trust in others

Consequences of neglecting maintenance treatment

If medication is stopped abruptly or follow-up appointments are missed, the illness can flare up again, often more severely than before, and may pose a danger to the patient or others.

Can schizophrenia be cured?

This is a question many people ask when facing signs of schizophrenia in their family. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Yen’s answer is: the disorder cannot be completely cured, but it can be fully managed if diagnosed early and treated properly.

Currently, treatment methods have advanced significantly, including:

• Antipsychotic medication: helps stabilize symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions

• Psychotherapy: supports patients in understanding their condition and managing emotions

• Community interventions: help reintegrate into society and maintain independent living skills

Most importantly, treatment effectiveness largely depends on the cooperation of the patient and their family. Taking medication regularly, participating in rehabilitation programs, and attending follow-up appointments are essential foundations for achieving a stable and better quality of life.

Responsibilities of family members toward people with schizophrenia

The timing of detecting schizophrenia symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment largely depend on the attitude and role of the family.

We emphasize three key factors that relatives should remember:

• Closely observe small changes: From behavior, sleep, and emotions to social relationships.

• Maintain a positive, non-stigmatizing attitude: Mental illness is not the same as “losing one’s mind” or being “crazy,” as old prejudices suggest. Patients need love and support, not judgmental eyes.

• Accompany the patient throughout treatment: From taking them to appointments, ensuring they take medication, to creating a stable and calm living environment to reduce the risk of relapse.

A strong, loving, and understanding family serves as an indispensable “supportive medicine” for any treatment plan.

Hoang Yen Specialized Psychiatric Clinic – A trusted medical facility for patients and their families dealing with schizophrenia.

When noticing signs of schizophrenia, choosing a reputable medical facility is an extremely important first step. Among current treatment options, Hoang Yen Specialized Psychiatric Clinic, under the expertise of Dr. Nguyen Hoang Yen, is a top choice trusted by many patients and their families.

At this clinic, patients can:

• Receive direct examination and diagnosis by specialists with many years of experience

• Access modern, personalized treatment methods tailored to each specific condition

• Receive psychological support and social reintegration assistance, addressing not only symptoms but also comprehensive mental well-being

• Benefit from a spacious, private clinic environment, providing the most convenient conditions for patients and relatives requiring long-term care

What makes Hoang Yen Clinic special is not only its professional expertise but also the dedicated companionship, understanding patients as if they were family.

Schizophrenia is not the end of a person’s life. If detected early and treated properly, patients can fully manage the disorder and lead meaningful lives. Therefore, do not hesitate when noticing even the smallest signs of schizophrenia.

We encourage you to share this article with the community, families, and those who may be silently struggling with this condition without realizing it. At the same time, if specialized consultation is needed, do not hesitate to contact Hoang Yen Specialized Psychiatric Clinic for timely and accurate support.

Contact information:
Address: No. 12, Alley 44, Do Quang Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Hanoi.

• Hotline: 0974 509 322
• Website: https://phongkhamtamthanhoangyen.com/

Mental health – the foundation for a happy and healthy life. And having the right understanding of it is the first step we need to take.