Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a lifelong psychiatric disorder that usually starts causing symptoms in early adulthood. Men tend to develop problems in their early to mid-20s. Women’s symptoms generally develop in their late 20s. Schizophrenia rarely affects children or begins after 45.

People affected by schizophrenia often find everyday life bewildering and overwhelming unless their condition is well-managed. They might neglect their personal welfare, become increasingly isolated from family and friends, and develop depression and anxiety.

People with schizophrenia are more likely to think about and commit suicide.

What symptoms might schizophrenia cause?

Schizophrenia causes various symptoms. The common ones include:

• Delusions

Delusions are thoughts and ideas that seem real to you but aren’t true. For instance, you might be convinced that someone is watching and following you or that there are cameras and recording devices everywhere you go (paranoia).

• Hallucinations

Hallucinations are visual and/or audible delusions. You might see or hear things no one else can, for example, conducting a conversation with people only you can see and/or hear. Hallucinations can be so realistic that you can’t accept they’re only in your mind.

• Abnormal behavior

Abnormal behaviors include anything that’s unusual, including unexpected physical movements or odd positions. Other examples include refusing to listen, not doing as others ask, and not reacting to your environment in a way most people would.

• Disorganized thinking

Disorganized thinking makes it hard to focus and communicate. You might respond to questions with illogical or unrelated answers or say things that no one else can understand.

As with other psychiatric conditions, everyone’s experience of schizophrenia is unique. Some people suffer from severe delusions and/or hallucinations. Others struggle more with disordered thoughts and behaviors. Schizophrenia symptoms occasionally improve before getting worse again.

What treatments help with schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is incurable, so the Neuropsychiatric Care Center team focuses on helping you manage your symptoms. Treatment usually involves taking antipsychotic medication that stops your hallucinations and delusions. Antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety drugs can also help reduce symptoms. You might also benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy).

Patients with schizophrenia require expert evaluation and support to ensure that they can cope with daily life. The Neuropsychiatric Care Center team has considerable experience helping people manage schizophrenia, working with professionals like social workers to provide the most complete care.

Call the Neuropsychiatric Care Center or book an appointment online today for compassionate, effective schizophrenia treatment.