How to check if someone is crazy. A simple tested test

Mental health is the most important component of our life, without which it is difficult to imagine a full existence. However, in the daily hustle and bustle, we often overlook the body’s signals indicating possible mental problems. A fairly common mental disorder that can cause people fears and numerous stereotypes is schizophrenia. But before judging the presence of this condition in yourself or a loved one, it is important to understand that the true diagnosis should be made only by a qualified specialist. At the same time, there are simple checklists and verified tests that allow you to pre-evaluate the alarming symptoms and decide whether to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.


What is schizophrenia and why early detection is important
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that is characterized by impaired perception of reality, thinking, emotions and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1% of the world’s population suffers from this disease. Despite such a small percentage, the severity of the consequences for those experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia is indeed high.

Early diagnosis and timely access to a doctor can increase the effectiveness of treatment and help a person lead a more fulfilling life. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize even the initial signs in order to respond in time.




What are the main symptoms of schizophrenia
The very first step in any diagnosis is careful observation of yourself or another person. Schizophrenia is usually manifested by the following groups of symptoms:

1. Positive symptomsDelusions (persistent mistaken beliefs), hallucinations (usually auditory or visual), disorganized speech and behavior.
2. Negative symptomsapathy, decreased emotional responsiveness, loss of interest in life, social isolation.
3. Cognitive impairmentDifficulty concentrating, memory impairment, slowing down or distorting thinking.

Separately, it should be noted that similar manifestations can occur in other mental disorders or acute stressful states. Each of these symptoms should be considered in conjunction with the others, and reliable conclusions are possible only after consultation with a specialist. However, if you or someone you know has experienced similar symptoms over a long period (weeks to months), it’s important not to ignore the warning signs.


A simple test (check ap) for alarming signs
Below is a simplified list of questions and observations intended solely for self-direction. This test does not replace professional diagnosis and does not serve as an absolute indicator of schizophrenia. It only helps you to understand whether there is a reason to consult a doctor for a deeper examination.

Please note: If your answer to most statements is “yes” (or you observe a similar one in another person), you should be wary and not postpone a visit to a specialist.


1. Strange beliefs or illusions

• A person expresses inadequate or absurd beliefs that cannot be logically refuted.
• I am convinced of the existence of hidden messages, conspiracies, secret signals addressed to him.

2. Hallucinations

• Hear voices that aren’t really there (especially comments or orders).
• See objects or people that are not in reality.
• It smells or touches without visible sources.

3. Sharp emotional swings

• From violent joy to profound despair for no obvious reason.
• Inadequate emotional response to external situations – laughter during tragic events or vice versa.

4. Apathy and suspension

• Decreased interest in familiar activities and hobbies.
• Isolation from friends and family, unwillingness to communicate.
• Frequent indifference to life circumstances, lack of motivation.

5. Disorganization and cognitive failure

• Difficulty concentrating on important tasks.
• Problems with memory and sequence of thoughts.
• Illogical or confused speech, difficulty expressing one’s own thoughts.

When to sound the alarm and what to do next
If your answers indicate the presence of several (and even more so most) of the described signs, you should think about a more detailed check. Schizophrenia manifests itself in different ways: some people are dominated by hallucinations and delusions, others have more pronounced negative symptoms. Anyway, timely referral to a specialist A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist can significantly improve the outcome of treatment and improve the quality of life of a person, even if it is not in schizophrenia, but in some other disorder.

Experts often use structured questionnaires (e.g., DSM-5, SCID) and clinical interviews to confirm or rule out schizophrenia. Independent "check ap" helps only to suspect the problem, but not to make a diagnosis.


How to talk to someone you suspect has a mental disorder
A misconstrued conversation can exacerbate the problem and alienate the person who needs help, even if they are unaware of it. Try to follow these recommendations:

• Be patient: People with mental disorders may perceive the world differently and find it difficult to explain their feelings.
• Listen: Give the person the opportunity to speak, do not argue or devalue their experiences.
• Encourage professional assistance: Call for a visit to a psychologist or psychiatrist, explain that he is a health specialist like any other doctor.
• Avoid stigmatization: Do not use phrases that may offend the person or increase their fear (for example, “You’re just crazy!”).

If the suspicion is not unfounded and it is a serious mental problem, open and friendly communication often becomes the key to the person agreeing to the examination. In most cases, in the presence of persistent violations of behavior and thinking, it is important to show a loved one that he is not alone, and emphasize that competent treatment helps to significantly improve the general condition.




Additional methods of self-examination
In addition to the above list test, there are other ways that can help assess your psychological state and stress level:

1. Keeping a diary. Write down your thoughts, experiences, dreams and sensations. This allows you to trace the dynamics of the mental state and identify recurring or increasing anomalies.
2. Online tests. On the Internet you can find specialized (but not officially diagnostic) questionnaires. They will not give an accurate diagnosis, but will help to form an idea of possible symptoms.
3. Discussing your experiences. A candid conversation with a loved one you trust helps to look at the situation from the outside and reduce anxiety levels.

The Importance of Psychohygiene and Prevention
Mental health promotion should be regular, almost as important as taking care of your body. Here are a few ways to prevent:

• Balanced lifestyle. Regular physical activity, proper sleep and healthy eating significantly affect the emotional state.
• Stress management. Learn relaxation techniques, meditation, breathing practices. Try to avoid overwork and chronic stress.
• Social support. Maintain close ties with family and friends. A sense of belonging and the opportunity to discuss anxiety with loved ones help reduce the risk of mental disorders.
• Positive information. Don’t believe myths that can heighten fear and stigmatize mental disorders. Rely on reliable sources: scientific publications, official medical sites, opinions of qualified doctors.

Conclusion
Suspicions of schizophrenia or another mental disorder cause fear and confusion in many people. This is not a problem that can be solved in one conversation with friends. However, Proper information and proper prevention provide an opportunity to recognize the problem in a timely manner and avoid serious consequences. Remember that the most accurate conclusions are always made by a specialist, and self-medication or self-diagnostics do not replace medical opinion.

If you notice yourself or a loved one alarming signs, it is better to insure yourself and seek advice. Modern methods of psychotherapy and drug treatment can allow you to live a full life even in the presence of such a diagnosis as schizophrenia. The main thing is to take the first step to understanding the problem in time and not be afraid to seek professional help.

Remember that the information in this article is informative and does not replace face-to-face consultation. Take care of your mental health, lead a healthy lifestyle and do not be afraid to seek help - this is the most correct way if there are doubts about your own adequacy or in the mental state of a loved one.