Schizophrenia is often poorly portrayed in modern media, which is highly unfortunate when considering that is how most people form their opinions of those who have to live with it throughout their lives. And though there is an unfortunate social stigma against those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, what we try to do here at Pacific Mind Health is provide awareness for those who may not understand it and offer help for those looking for schizophrenia treatment in Long Beach, CA.
We understand the real-life struggles that come with schizophrenia and have the knowledge, training, and compassion to help those in need of schizophrenia treatment in Long Beach, CA. With the help of our friendly psychiatrists and mental health specialists, you can begin your journey toward a better understanding of your diagnosis and a life where you’re in control of your mental health.
So if you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with schizophrenia—or you think you may be exhibiting the signs of it—please feel free to reach out to our team here at Pacific Mind Health today at 562.279.0180 or through our convenient online form.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that is characterized by an abnormal or completely disconnected interpretation of reality and involves a slew of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues. And in many cases, schizophrenia can render someone nearly disabled, unable to live out a normal day-to-day life, hold stable relationships, or handle going out into public.
The symptoms and signs of schizophrenia can vary from person to person and case by case—they can even come and go in flare-ups. Fortunately, many patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia are able to live active and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and mental health management. So if you’ve been looking for schizophrenia treatment in Long Beach, CA, our team of first-rate doctors and specialists will work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan that fits your unique diagnosis and lifestyle.
As we already mentioned, schizophrenia presents in people very differently on a case-by-case basis. The symptoms can sometimes be mild, presenting themselves as a lack of emotion or strange patterns of speech. That said, they can also be severe, bringing about a complete disconnect from reality and vivid hallucinations, both visual and auditory.
Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and thinking, and disorganized or abnormal motor behavior are some of the most common symptoms that are experienced when living with schizophrenia.
Delusions are false beliefs and paranoias that aren’t based on any tangible truth or established reality. Those with schizophrenia diagnoses who experience these delusions hold them firmly beyond any doubt whatsoever, despite any evidence that you may try to show them that proves the contrary. These delusions also bring about strong paranoias, which can lead people with schizophrenia to believe that there are hidden, government, or otherworldly entities that are out to get them at any given moment.
Schizophrenic hallucinations can engage all five of a body’s senses and induce a state in which the individual hallucinating experiences sounds, sensations, visuals, tastes, and smells that don’t actually exist. These hallucinations feel just like actual, normal experiences, no different than two real people having an interaction with one another.
Disorganized thinking and speech—more commonly known as word salad—usually go hand in hand. Disorganized thinking presents itself as an inability to maintain a coherent train of thought or focus on one thing for an extended period of time. It can also make it difficult for the schizophrenic individual to comprehend what others are saying or trying to explain.
Word salad can appear as an inability to form a coherent sentence or forming one which only makes sense to the individual with schizophrenia. Some people may also experience echolalia, in which they repeat words or questions that are asked of them continually.
Disorganized behavior can range from bouts of unpredictable agitation to moments of childlike silliness and misunderstanding. This is a key characteristic of schizophrenia and also ties in closely with the symptoms of disorganized thinking and speech mentioned above.
Those who also experience abnormal motor behavior may display a variety of muscle spasms and contractions, as well as motor restlessness or instances of repeated, irregular movements and a slowing of physical motion.
The root cause of schizophrenia isn’t yet clear to those who study mental illnesses. However, experts believe that a number of factors may be involved, including genetics and brain chemistry.
The most common risk factors for schizophrenia include the following:
Some experts have found links between the condition and abnormalities in the brain structure and central nervous system of those who are diagnosed with schizophrenia. And though what truly causes it remains a mystery for now, we do know how to significantly reduce the symptoms and foster a lifestyle that greatly aids in living with schizophrenia—all our caring and compassionate schizophrenia treatment in Long Beach, CA.
A diagnosis of schizophrenia means a lifetime of treatment is ahead to live a full and complete existence. But don’t let that scare you—you’ve got help every step of the way with Pacific Mind Health. Early treatment has been proven to improve the long-term outlook of your condition and can help you get your symptoms back under your own control before serious, more difficult complications develop.
When you come in for your initial consultation for schizophrenia treatment in Long Beach, CA, Dr. Flatow conducts any necessary tests, screenings, and psychiatric evaluations that you may need. And throughout the process, you’ll have an in-depth and empathetic discussion about your current mental health and your goals moving forward with treatment.
A number of treatment solutions are available here at Pacific Mind Health, including:
So if you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms of schizophrenia, a psychiatrist here at Pacific Mind Health has your back and is ready to help get life back on track. Give us a call today at 562.279.0180 to learn more, or schedule your next appointment easily with our online form now.
Embark on your mental health journey and schedule a consultation today. Call us at 310-571-5041 or complete our online consultation form.
Trusted Psychiatrists serving Long Beach, Los Angeles & Orange County. Contact us at 310-571-5041. We offer TMS Treatment, Therapies and more.
