Understanding Schizophrenia: Causes and Symptoms

4. Speech Abnormalities

Some research indicates that linguistic disorganization may play a central role in schizophrenia. Although many people believe schizophrenia originates in the ability to process relevant thought, speech abnormalities could also define core symptoms, say researchers.

A person with schizophrenia breaks down language configuration differently than someone who does not have the illness. They are easily derailed in a conversation and unable to make a point. Those with schizophrenia cannot structure a sentence in a grammatically accurate or logical way.

Research also suggests people with schizophrenia experience a decline in first-person ownership of self-generated thoughts. For example, instead of saying "I am tired," the individual might say, "He is tired."