Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that often times makes people unable to think clearly, control their emotions, make decisions, and manage relationships. It can be complex to manage.

When schizophrenia is active, people living with it may experience hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, believing things that are untrue and can be emotionally withdrawn. They may also struggle with everyday tasks like cleaning their room, even if they’re considered “stabilized” on medication.

If you or someone you care for has trouble completing certain tasks, like counting out change at the store, following conversations, or getting around on their own, it could be cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. If you notice these symptoms, be sure to speak up and let your doctor know the challenges you or someone you care for are facing.

Scroll down to learn more.

Watch what “stable” really means for many people living with schizophrenia

TYPES OF SYMPTOMS

Symptoms you shouldn’t overlook

If you are living with schizophrenia or are a caregiver for someone who is living with the condition, it’s important to know that schizophrenia involves a range of symptoms that fall within 3 categories. Some of these can hold people back from living full, independent lives.

Learn about the 3 types of symptoms

Positive Symptoms

Sometimes, someone living with schizophrenia may have a quick change in how they’re acting or experience the world in distorted ways. Positive symptoms are highly exaggerated ideas, perceptions, or actions that show the person can’t tell what’s real from what isn’t. The symptoms below are not always present, but can be present when a person living with schizophrenia is experiencing positive symptoms:

Delusions or a strong belief in things that aren't in fact true
Hallucinations or seeing things, hearing voices or tasting, feeling or smelling something that is not in fact there
Difficulty organizing and expressing thoughts

Negative Symptoms

These symptoms are specific to a person’s mood. When someone living with schizophrenia loses interest or has no interest in daily life they may:

Have trouble speaking
Lack emotion, don't smile, or use facial emotions
Avoid other people or want to be alone

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia is specific to understanding concepts and completing tasks. Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia can prevent someone living with schizophrenia from being able to communicate clearly with doctors or keep up with a treatment plan. People with cognitive impairment have trouble with:

Paying attention and remembering things
Organizing thoughts or making decisions
Handling social situations

Treating symptoms like delusions or hallucinations with medications is an important part of managing schizophrenia. But these medications may not help improve cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia like problem-solving, thinking clearly, or memory challenges. And they may also not improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as completing tasks, feeling happy, or wanting to be around other people.

Scroll down to learn more about cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and why current treatments may not help address these symptoms.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Understanding cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia can help you or the person you care for know what they’re going through

Trouble with daily activities such as cooking a meal, maintaining personal hygiene, or running errands on their own are some of the symptoms related to cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Other cognitive concerns can include having a hard time following conversations or constantly forgetting where you’ve/they’ve placed their things. Many people living with schizophrenia don’t realize that they are also impacted by these cognitive symptoms.

9 out of 10 people living with schizophrenia have cognitive impairments

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and negative symptoms: spotting the difference

Negative and cognitive symptoms are common features in schizophrenia and often times can influence each other. Negative symptoms affect mood, motivation, interactions with people, and the ability to feel joy. But cognitive symptoms impact mental tasks such as problem-solving, memory, and following conversations. Staying in regular contact with your/their care team may help you to see the differences between the 2 types of symptoms.

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia makes it hard to do simple tasks, like making a meal

Scroll down to learn how cognitive impairment affects people with schizophrenia and their caregivers.

a person in a kitchen dropping pasta on the floor

COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS' IMPACT ON DAILY LIVING

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and negative symptoms take a big toll on patients—and their loved ones

When someone living with schizophrenia has either cognitive or negative symptoms, it affects family members and caregivers in significant ways. If untreated, the condition can create emotional and financial difficulties that may strain relationships and resources. It can also reduce enjoying quality time with family, partners, and friends.

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia makes it hard to do basic, but important, daily activities, such as: