What is a common outcome of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations and delusions are hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia, making this outcome a defining characteristic of the disorder. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience sensory perceptions that are not real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not, which are known as hallucinations. Delusions refer to strong beliefs in things that are not based in reality, such as believing one has special powers or is being persecuted. These symptoms can significantly impair an individual's ability to function socially and engage with the world around them.

While increased social engagement and euphoria may occur in certain mental health conditions, they are not typical outcomes of schizophrenia. Inactivity may be related to symptoms of the disorder through lack of motivation, but it does not directly define the core features of schizophrenia as hallucinations and delusions do. Thus, hallucinations and delusions remain the central and most recognized outcomes associated with schizophrenia.