How do doctors tell if a young man has schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia: By the presence of hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, alogia, avolition, decline in social, educational or occupational performance and at least six month - period of symptoms, in the absence of a substance abuse disorder or a causative medical condition. The diagnosis of schizophrenia is difficult to reach at all ages, more often in young adults.

Formal evaluation: Schizophrenia has positive, negative & cognitive sxs. A person with positive sxs loses touch with reality with hallucinations or delusions. Negative sxs: lack of pleasure; failing to take care of every day functions; losing motivation; inability to carry out plans & isolation. Cognitive symptoms could include problems focusing, memory problems or difficulty understanding what is going on.