Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia? 

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It’s characterized by a combination of symptoms that can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, disorganized or abnormal motor behavior, and negative symptoms such as reduced emotional expression or lack of motivation.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? 

The symptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and may come and go in episodes. 

Positive symptoms, which are those that add abnormal behaviors or experiences, include:

• Hallucinations (perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices) 
• Delusions (false beliefs that aren’t based on reality)
• Disorganized thinking (difficulty organizing thoughts or making logical connections)
• Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior (unusual movements or behaviors)

Negative symptoms, on the other hand, involve a decrease in normal functioning. This includes little emotional expression, a lack of motivation or interest in activities, reduced speech output, and social withdrawal or isolation.

What causes schizophrenia? 

The exact cause of schizophrenia isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. 

Research suggests that genetic factors play a significant role, as individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. 

Changes in brain structure and function, such as abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems, brain chemistry, and brain development during fetal development or adolescence, may also contribute to the development of schizophrenia. 

Environmental factors like exposure to prenatal infections, trauma, stress, or substance misuse during critical periods of brain development may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia in susceptible individuals.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Your Telepsych 4 You provider typically treats schizophrenia with a combination of antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions. 

Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment for managing symptoms of schizophrenia and work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain to alleviate hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. 

Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics are often preferred due to their lower risk of side effects compared to first-generation (typical) antipsychotics.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, or family therapy, can help individuals with schizophrenia better understand and manage their symptoms, improve coping skills, and address social and interpersonal issues. 

Psychosocial interventions, such as supported employment, housing assistance, and social skills training, can also help improve functioning and quality of life.

If you or a loved one might be struggling with symptoms of schizophrenia, book a telehealth appointment today by phone or online.