Some schizophrenia relapses occur without warning, but when early signs are present, they’re usually a return of early symptoms that occurred in the past.
Common warning signs of a schizophrenia relapse include:
- Agitation, irritability, or tension
- Changes in usual eating patterns
- Depression or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty keeping up with personal hygiene
- Disturbing or recurring thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Increasing paranoia or suspiciousness
- Insomnia
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Social withdrawal
Knowing these symptoms is important, but knowing the symptoms specific to each person with schizophrenia — called “relapse signatures” — is more important. Most people with schizophrenia will experience those early symptoms before a full relapse occurs.
“These warning symptoms can be very specific,” says Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University in New York City. “For one person, it may be insomnia or worries about the neighbors. For another person, it may be irritability or hearing whispers.”
In fact, the warning signs may be as specific as avoiding certain colors or foods, says Dr. Frangou.
That’s why it’s important to know the earliest symptoms of previous episodes and watch for them. “The first sign of a relapse is repeating symptoms of a previous episode,” says Frangou. Recognizing these symptoms early on can help ensure immediate steps are taken to get proper treatment, says Dr. Compton.
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