Signs and Symptoms

While each person’s prodrome is unique, there are some common themes to look out for.
Early signs and symptoms can include any of the following:

Unusual Thinking

  • Confusion about what is real and what is imaginary
  • Suspiciousness or paranoid thinking
  • Feeling that your ideas are or behaviors are being controlled by outside forces
  • Unrealistic ideas of special identity or abilities
  • Preoccupation with the supernatural

Perceptual Disturbances

  • Sensitivity to sounds, easily distracted by background noises
  • Hearing things that other people don’t hear
  • Seeing things that others don’t see
  • Smelling, tasting, or feeling unusual sensations that other people don’t experience

Negative Symptoms

  • Wanting to spend more time alone
  • Not feeling motivated to do things
  • Trouble understanding conversations or written materials
  • Difficulty identifying and expressing emotions

Disorganized Symptoms

  • Trouble with attention
  • Neglect of personal hygiene
  • Odd appearance or behavior
  • Laughing at odd or inappropriate times
  • Problems with communication: vague, confused, muddled, racing or slow speech, difficulty staying on track or getting to the point
High Risk Psychosis Screener.pdf