Overview
Schizophrenia is a blanket term for a group of severe brain disorders in which individuals interpret reality in abnormal ways. These include distorted thoughts, delusions, and hallucinations. Typically beginning in early adulthood, schizophrenia will cause fear and paranoia. Unfortunately, the condition is chronic and requires lifelong treatment to manage along with the help of qualified schizophrenia mental health professionals.
Symptoms
In schizophrenia, symptoms are measured as “positive” or “negative.” Generally, positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion in normal function, while negative symptoms refer to the removal or absence of normal function. Positive symptoms include:
- delusions,
- hallucinations,
- thought disorder,
- and disorganized behavior.
Negative schizophrenia symptoms include:
- loss of interest in daily activities,
- social withdrawal,
- loss of motivation,
- and neglect of personal hygiene.
A third category of symptoms are cognitive and include:
- problems making sense of information,
- difficulty paying attention,
- and memory problems.
Causes
What causes schizophrenia? The reality is that researchers don’t know what causes it, but they do suggest that it’s ultimately a combination of genetics and environment. There are often problems with neurotransmitters in the brain, and it’s evident that those with schizophrenia have physical differences in their brain structure and nervous system compared to those without the condition. These findings lead experts to conclude that schizophrenia is primarily a brain disease.
Treatment
Schizophrenia is a lifelong, chronic condition that requires continuous treatment. Even if symptoms have subsided, the underlying condition is always there, which means patients must rely on a combination of medications and psychosocial schizophrenia therapy to manage their condition. Unlike with some disorders and conditions, medication is practically essential in patients with schizophrenia. Generally, medications are used to overcome psychosis, after which schizophrenia counseling and therapy becomes highly beneficial to patients.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to prevent schizophrenia. However, it is possible to help patients with the condition by getting them treatment early. This ensures that the symptoms get under control and managed before further complications develop and the condition gets worse. Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms that resemble schizophrenia should immediately look into schizophrenia mental health screening.
Why Choose New Horizons to Treat Schizophrenia?
At New Horizons, we have only the best North Dallas schizophrenia therapists. It takes someone with compassion and experience to help a schizophrenic patient, and our licensed professionals are ready and willing to help you or a loved one get control over this challenging mental illness. Please contact us on the Web, by phone, or in person and schedule an appointment to begin.
