About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder involving an abnormal interpretation of reality. In many cases, schizophrenia can be disabling. Schizophrenia involves a number of problems with cognition, emotions, and behavior. The symptoms and signs can vary from person to person and come and go in flare-ups. To develop a comprehensive care plan for schizophrenia, contact Pacific Mind Health for a psychiatry appointment.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia presents in people very differently. Sometimes the symptoms can be mild, sometimes they can be severe, and sometimes they can resolve and come back. Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and thinking, and disorganized or abnormal motor behavior are some symptoms of schizophrenia.
What causes schizophrenia?
The cause of schizophrenia isn’t clear, but experts believe that a number of factors may be involved, including genetics and brain chemistry.
Risk factors for schizophrenia include:
Some experts have linked the condition to abnormalities in the brain structure and central nervous system.
What are the treatments for schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia often requires lifelong treatment. Early treatment can improve your long-term outlook and help you to get your symptoms under control before any serious complications develop.
Dr. Flatow conducts any necessary testing, screenings, a psychiatric evaluation, and an in-depth discussion and consultation. There are a number of treatments that can help manage your schizophrenia.
It’s helpful to learn about schizophrenia and work with a qualified psychiatrist. If you or your loved one are dealing with schizophrenia, call Pacific Mind Health or schedule your personal consultation online.
Schizophrenia presents in people very differently. Sometimes the symptoms can be mild, sometimes they can be severe, and sometimes they can resolve and come back. Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and thinking, and disorganized or abnormal motor behavior are some symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Delusions
Delusions are false beliefs that aren’t based in reality. People with delusions hold firmly to the belief without a shadow of doubt, despite evidence to the contrary. - Hallucinations
Hallucinations can engage all five senses and involve experiencing things that don’t exist. Hallucinations feel just like a real and normal experience. - Disorganized Speech & Thinking
Disorganized thinking and speech, sometimes known as word salad, usually go hand in hand. Communication can be impaired and thought patterns may seem unrelated and irregular. Some people might repeat words and questions that are asked of them (echolalia). - Disorganized or Abnormal Motor Behavior
Disorganized behavior ranging from unpredictable agitation to childlike silliness is a key characteristic of schizophrenia. Many people with schizophrenia find it difficult to focus, lose interest in everyday activities, and become socially withdrawn.
What causes schizophrenia?
The cause of schizophrenia isn’t clear, but experts believe that a number of factors may be involved, including genetics and brain chemistry.
Risk factors for schizophrenia include:
- Family history
- Overactive immune system
- Pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition or toxin and virus exposure
- Taking mind-altering drugs during childhood and adolescence
Some experts have linked the condition to abnormalities in the brain structure and central nervous system.
What are the treatments for schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia often requires lifelong treatment. Early treatment can improve your long-term outlook and help you to get your symptoms under control before any serious complications develop.
Dr. Flatow conducts any necessary testing, screenings, a psychiatric evaluation, and an in-depth discussion and consultation. There are a number of treatments that can help manage your schizophrenia.
- Medication Management
Medication management, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety medications that affect the neurotransmitter dopamine can be helpful in low and controlled doses. - Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy and involves in-depth discussions and therapy sessions with a trained psychiatrist. The sessions typically last around 30 to 50 minutes. There are different types of psychotherapy that can deal with both short-term and long-term problems. - Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress management can also help to ease the symptoms of schizophrenia.
It’s helpful to learn about schizophrenia and work with a qualified psychiatrist. If you or your loved one are dealing with schizophrenia, call Pacific Mind Health or schedule your personal consultation online.