Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder affecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can become debilitating when left untreated, as it’s often linked to hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there. 

Fortunately, treatment at Mindful Mental Health can help ease schizophrenia symptoms to improve quality of life.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia symptoms may include:

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• Delusions (beliefs not based in reality)
• Disorganized behaviors and/or thoughts
• Poor communication
• Speaking gibberish (word salad)
• Unusual body movements
• Being inappropriate in social settings
• Childlike silliness
• Poor personal hygiene
• Poor eye contact
• Not showing emotion
• Social withdrawal 
• Poor planning
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Lack of motivation
• Depression
• Irritability 
• Thoughts of suicide

Schizophrenia might make it difficult to succeed at school, make or keep friends, or hold down a job. 

What are the risk factors for schizophrenia?

The cause isn’t fully understood, but schizophrenia risk factors may include:

• Brain changes
• Genetics
• Family history of schizophrenia
• Taking mind-altering drugs
• Poor nutrition during pregnancy or after birth
• Living in danger, stress, or poverty
• Low birth weight
• Toxin exposure

Adopting healthy habits could reduce the chance of developing schizophrenia, but there’s no sure way to prevent it.

Complications may include misusing drugs or alcohol, money problems, social isolation, and being victimized. Schizophrenia can also increase your risk of physical health problems.

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Tammie meets with you in person or via telehealth to complete a psychiatric evaluation. She uses DSM-5 criteria to discuss your moods, thoughts, emotions, and any past trauma. 

Tammie reviews your medications, lifestyle, and treatment goals. She creates a personalized schizophrenia treatment plan that can help you better manage problematic symptoms. Tammy also offers second-opinion psychiatric consultations.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Treatment for schizophrenia may include:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Adolescent psychiatry 
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Coping skills management
• Medication management
• Stress management (yoga, massage, deep breathing, etc.)
• Lifestyle education
• Social skills training
• Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment

It’s also helpful to eat a balanced diet, avoid drugs and alcohol, stay active, and get enough sleep. 

You might complete more than one type of schizophrenia treatment to optimize mental health outcomes. Tammie refers you to community services whenever necessary. Follow up with her to ensure your treatment is effective.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth schizophrenia evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.