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Risk factors include:

  • A positive family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder in first degree relative (parent or sibling) accompanied by a decline in functioning
  • Occasional and brief symptoms of hallucinations or delusions lasting a day or so
  • Periodic symptoms of suspiciousness or unusual thoughts or experiences, or a combination of prodromal symptoms (see below)

Prodromal symptoms may include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Suspiciousness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Decline in functioning at school or work
  • Poor attention and concentration
  • Unusual perceptions
  • Unusual beliefs and general peculiarities in behaviour
  • Loss of energy/motivation
  • Difficulties in thinking
  • Social withdrawal and loss of interest
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