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Confused Speech: A schizophrenia patient’s brain is affected in many ways. The person could lose the ability to construct an understandable sentence or to show comprehension toward those attempting to communicate. Young people who are showing symptoms of schizophrenia might suddenly seemmuch less verbally mature than they actually are. Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Lack of Eye Contact: The patient does not look directly at anyone else, shifting his or her gaze away and seeming to disengage from conversation or human connection. He or she might have difficulty understanding, recognizing, or labeling emotions in others. Loss of Interest: In younger patients, this might be marked by a sudden drop in academic performance or disinterest in sports, clubs, or activities. Older patients could struggle to exercise, suddenly turn their back on their careers and hobbies, or vanish from relationships. Unattended Hygiene: Since schizophrenia patients can experience a loss of motivation to perform even everyday tasks, they might neglect simple grooming. Patients might neglect their appearance to the point of refusing to bathe, change clothes, or brush teeth. Social Withdrawal: Sometimes because of psychosis or the way the brain is processing information, a schizophrenia patient might pull away from friends, family, or other people altogether. They avoid not only conversation but all forms of contact, and prefer to stay in an isolated area. Blank Expression or Lack of Emotion: This is sometimes referred to as “blunted affect.” It involves a noticeable reduction in usual facial expression, body language, and speaking ranges. People with schizophrenia might markedly fail to react as most people would to

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What Is Schizophrenia?