Symptoms

The onset of schizophrenia may be sudden, over a period of days or weeks, or slow over a period of years. The severity and types of symptoms vary from person to person.

The symptoms are usually sufficiently severe as to interfere with the ability to work, interact with people, care for oneself, decline in mental function, impaired ability to pay attention, and solve problems. The severity of mental impairment will determine the overall disability.

Symptoms may be triggered or worsened by environmental stresses, such as stressful life events and drug use, such as marijuana, may trigger or worsen symptoms as well.