Schizophrenia is a challenging disorder that makes it difficult to distinguish between what is real and unreal, think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and function normally. But that doesn't mean there isn't hope. Schizophrenia can be successfully managed. The first step is to identify the signs and symptoms. The second step is to seek help without delay and the third is to stick with the treatment. With the right treatment and support, a person with schizophrenia can lead a happy, fulfilling life.

Symptoms and Signs of Schizophrenia in TCM:
1. Stagnation of Phlegm Qi
Chief Manifestations: Depression, apathetic expression, reticence, dementia, incoherent speech or muttering to oneself, changeable moods, no sense of hygiene, no desire for food, red tongue with greasy and white coating, and wiry and smooth pulse.

2. Deficiency of Both Heart and Spleen
Chief Manifestations: Absent-mindedness, fantasy, palpitation, fright, grief, weeping, weak limbs, impaired appetite, pale tongue with greasy coating, and deep, thready and weak pulse.

3. Phlegm Fire Disturbing the Mind
Chief Manifestations: Persistant restlessness, headache, insomnia, staring angrily, flushed complexion and congested eyes; followed by violent behavior like scolding and shouting, climbing over walls and houses, or smashing things and hitting people with extraordinary strength, refusing to eat and sleep, dark red tongue with yellow greasy or yellow dry and dirty coating, and wiry, large, smooth and rapid pulse.

4. Excessive Fire Impairing Yin
Chief Manifestations: Prolonged manic state is gradually alleviated and crazy actions controllable by persuasion, but lassitude, polylogia, occasional restlessness, emaciation, flushed and dirty complexion may still exist. Red tongue with little or no coating, and thready and rapid pulse are present.

5. Blood Stasis Blocking the Heart
Chief Manifestations: Insomnia, fright, suspiciousness, visual and auditory hallucination, incoherent speech, dark and lusterless complexion, purplish tongue with occasional ecchymosis, thin and smooth tongue coating, and small and wiry or thready and unsmooth pulse.