Prodromal schizophrenia is the earliest stage of brain degeneration, though not everyone exhibits the same symptoms.
This article discusses the symptoms of prodromal schizophrenia and how it is diagnosed and treated.
It will help you to better identify and understand these symptoms.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is Schizophrenia Prodrome?
Schizophrenia prodrome, or the prodromal phase, is the earliest phase.
As such, its commonly diagnosed only after a person has entered the active schizophrenia phase.
One estimate suggests that 75% of the patients with schizophrenia may pass through the stages of prodromal symptoms.
During the active (acute) phase, symptoms are most noticeable and potentially damaging to a persons life.
The residual phase occurs after active schizophrenia.
Entering this phase doesnt mean youll never enter an active phase again, though.
Phases of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia was once seen as an early stage of dementia.
What Are the Symptoms of Prodromal Schizophrenia?
Symptoms can fluctuate in intensity, severity, and length of time.
Types of Prodrome
There are two main patterns the prodrome takes.
Again, you likely wont know for sure which throw in is applicable until later schizophrenia phases.
Chief among these is trauma.
Studies suggest that a traumatic life event independently increases the risk of a psychotic disorder by three- to 12-fold.
The stereotypes about the teen years often involve emotions, mood management, and behavior.
That makes it hard for parents, teachers, and caregivers to distinguish normal teen stuff from prodromal schizophrenia.
Diagnosis
Researchers have been working on ways to diagnose prodromal schizophrenia earlier on, rather than retrospectively.
Earlier detection means minimizing the time between when the illness starts and first psychosis.
associated with active schizophrenia.
Many factors can interfere with someones treatment plan and outlook or prognosis.
Staying the course of treatment will also be a major factor in overall outlook and outcome.
Summary
Prodromal schizophrenia is the earliest stage of schizophrenia.
Not all people with schizophrenia experience this phase.
Prodromal schizophrenia can be especially hard to identify because these symptoms are related to many other conditions.
Early detection can make a big difference for patients with schizophrenia.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, seek help from a medical professional.
2019 Nov 1;2019(11):CD012236.
2018 Dec 5;14:3339-3348. doi:10.2147/NDT.S179534
National Institutes of Mental Health.Understanding psychosis.
2014;7(11):e12776.
doi:10.5812/jjm.12776
Holder SD, Wayhs A.Schizophrenia.Am Fam Physician.
2014 1;90(11):775-82.
2022 Mar 16;10(8):2420-2428. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v10.i8.2420.
Shrivastava A, Johnston M, Terpstra K, Bureau Y.Cannabis and psychosis: Neurobiology.Indian J Psychiatry.
2014 Jan-Mar;56(1):8-16. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.124708
