Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects a person’s sense of reality. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, or disordered thinking that alters normal behavior.

The chronic mental health condition requires lifelong treatment. When left untreated, schizophrenia worsens and may lead to disabling symptoms. 

What causes schizophrenia?

Researchers are still investigating the underlying causes of schizophrenia but theorize it may develop from a combination of factors including genetics, brain chemistry, and environment. 

You or a family member may be at risk of developing schizophrenia if it runs in the family. Malnutrition or exposure to toxins during pregnancy may also be a risk factor for schizophrenia.

What are schizophrenia symptoms?

Schizophrenia affects thinking, emotions, and behavior and causes a range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thinking
• Abnormal motor behavior
• Flat affect (unemotional)
• Difficulty concentrating

Schizophrenia is most often diagnosed in the late teen years or early adulthood. Though a person may exhibit symptoms earlier, a diagnosis of schizophrenia usually occurs after a psychotic episode (altered thinking, odd behavior, and change in sensory perception).

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that causes a range of symptoms that makes getting an accurate diagnosis difficult. 

When you come in to see the mental health experts at Suburban Behavioral Health Services, they conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to provide the most accurate diagnosis.

They may also recommend diagnostic tests to rule out a physical condition to explain your symptoms. In most cases, schizophrenia is diagnosed after all other physical and mental conditions are ruled out. 

How is schizophrenia treated?

Suburban Behavioral Health Services takes a holistic approach to psychiatric care and provides comprehensive treatment for individuals with schizophrenia, as well as therapy for their families and significant others. 

The mental health experts focus on educating you and your family about the mental illness and the recommended medications, which helps provide insight about the disorder and what you can expect with treatment.

Schizophrenia treatment may include:

• Antipsychotic medication
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Social skills training
• Vocational rehabilitation (to help with a return to work)

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that requires ongoing care and support. Suburban Behavioral Health Services schedules regular follow-up appointments and adjusts the treatment plan as needed to improve symptoms and family dynamics. 

Suburban Behavioral Health Services trains students from local universities and they may be present during your initial evaluation and therapy sessions. 

For compassionate care, call Suburban Behavioral Health Services or book an appointment online today.