Although the word schizophrenia literally means “split mind,” schizophrenia is not a split personality or multi-personality disorder. Schizophrenia affects how people feel, behave, and think. This can be a result of hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior. People with schizophrenia can seem to live outside reality, which often has negative effects on daily living.
Because individuals with schizophrenia don’t always know they have a mental health condition, they may not realize they need treatment. Untreated schizophrenia symptoms are much more severe and can result in hospital stays, poor social outcomes, injuries, and even death.
Symptoms typically start in the late teens or early adulthood. Early treatment helps control symptoms and improve the long-term outlook. Many people with schizophrenia go on to hold jobs, maintain relationships, and pursue goals.
Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior.
Delusions occur when people believe in things that aren’t real or true. People with schizophrenia could think that they’re being followed or stalked, that they’re very famous, or have superpowers, when they don’t. Most people with schizophrenia have delusions.
Hallucinations are when someone sees or hears things that other people don’t and that aren’t there. Hearing voices is the most common hallucination, but they can occur with any of the five senses.
Disordered thinking and behavior describes a wide category. Schizophrenia can make it difficult to hold a conversation. It can make someone behave in a child-like way or be agitated for no reason. These disordered behaviors can make it hard to follow instructions, react appropriately to social scenarios, organize thoughts, make plans, or even respond at all.
Some people with schizophrenia may not function the same way they did before their symptoms began. These negative symptoms can include not bathing, avoiding eye contact, or speaking in a monotone voice and with little facial expression. Schizophrenia also can cause loss of interest and social withdrawal.
Diagnosis requires careful evaluation to distinguish schizophrenia from other conditions. Montana will assess:
Medication and family support are vital components in treating schizophrenia.
Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between brain cells, called neurons. Overactivity of dopamine can lead to psychosis. Some antipsychotic medications balance serotonin and affect other neurotransmitters as well. Finding the right medication can take time.
Antipsychotics can significantly reduce hallucinations and delusions. There are many types available, and newer medications have fewer side effects. Individuals living with schizophrenia will need regular psychiatry appointments to monitor medication effectiveness and side effects.
Get to the bottom of understanding schizophrenia, including what it is, how to manage it, and signs of worsening conditions. Learning strategies for living with schizophrenia is also helpful. Education and support for family members of individuals with schizophrenia is also important.
Cognitive therapy helps manage residual symptoms and address depression, which commonly coincides with schizophrenia. Therapy can include social skills training to improve relationships and daily functioning.
Establishing routines and making healthy choices can help with stability. Getting good sleep and exercise, avoiding stress, making social connections, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and getting regular medical care are all strong components of living well with schizophrenia.
If you suspect you or a loved one may be schizophrenic, getting care as soon as possible is critical. During your initial 40-minute virtual appointment, Brady Psychiatry will collect detailed information about your experiences — hallucinations, delusions, and changes in thinking and functioning. Be as detailed as you can.We’ll discuss medication options and create a treatment plan. Regular follow-ups ensure you or your loved one remain stable
Schedule your appointment with Montana at Brady Psychiatry today. Telehealth appointments available 24/7 through SimplePractice.