Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is one of the most serious mental health disorders. People with schizophrenia have distorted thoughts and perceptions that negatively affect their ability to function. Every aspect of your life is affected by schizophrenia, from being able to hold down a job and maintaining relationships to caring for yourself.

What psychotic symptoms does schizophrenia cause?

Schizophrenia’s hallmark symptom is psychosis. During psychotic episodes, you may have:

Delusions

A delusion is a false belief that’s not based in reality. Even in the face of evidence that your belief is false, you still can’t give it up. Common delusions include believing you’re a famous person or that others control your thoughts.

Hallucinations

When you have a hallucination, you see, smell, hear, taste, or feel something that isn’t really there.

Disorganized thoughts and speech

People with schizophrenia have different and illogical ways of thinking. They also have a hard time organizing their thoughts. Their disorganized thoughts affect the way they speak. They may say things that don’t make sense, stop talking in the middle of a sentence, or jump from one topic to another.

Disorganized or catatonic behaviors

Catatonic behavior may include various behaviors but primarily means you sit still without moving. Disorganized behaviors refer to repetitive, senseless, bizarre, socially inappropriate, and contradictory behaviors. For example, you may have emotional responses that are out of place (smiling or laughing at a sad topic), pace for no reason, or talk to yourself.

What other symptoms occur due to schizophrenia?

In addition to psychotic symptoms, schizophrenia causes negative and cognitive symptoms:

Negative symptoms

Having negative symptoms means you don’t have the typical emotional and behavior responses that people usually experience. You may lack all facial expressions, lose motivation, or have no desire to socialize.

Cognitive symptoms

Cognitive symptoms make it hard to concentrate, pay attention, or process information. You could also have memory problems.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Schizophrenia responds best to treatments that encompass all the facets of your life. You need a team that supports your mental and physical health, social life, and employment.

Dr. Wright can help you find community support systems and collaborate with your other providers. He also takes care of medication management and therapy.

Medications

Antipsychotic medications build the foundation of your treatment. You need these medications to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotics, whether in the form of daily tablets or long-lasting injections, may also keep your symptoms in remission.

Therapy

Medications treat psychotic symptoms, while therapy treats negative and cognitive symptoms. In addition to learning to manage symptoms, therapy teaches the skills you need to succeed in life, whether you need help managing anger, building relationships, or keeping a job.

If you need support and treatment for schizophrenia, call Ryan Wright, MD, or book an appointment online today.