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What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder where you experience disturbances in thought processes, perceptions, emotions, and behavior. People with schizophrenia often hallucinate (perceive things that aren't real), hold delusions (false beliefs), exhibit disorganized thinking and speech, and struggle with emotional expression and social interactions.
How can schizophrenia affect your life?
Schizophrenia affects nearly every aspect of your life, including:
Employment
Schizophrenia may make it difficult to maintain employment or pursue educational opportunities due to symptoms such as cognitive impairment, difficulty with concentration, and challenges with interpersonal interactions.
Social relationships
The symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, and social withdrawal, can strain personal and professional relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Daily activities
Managing the symptoms of schizophrenia may interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks such as personal hygiene, household chores, and managing finances, impacting your independence and quality of life.
Physical health
People with schizophrenia may be at a higher risk of experiencing physical health problems due to factors such as medication side effects, poor self-care, and higher rates of comorbid conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.
What are the signs of schizophrenia?
Telltale signs of schizophrenia can include:
Hallucinations
If you have schizophrenia, you may experience sensory perceptions that aren't based in reality, such as hearing voices, seeing things that aren't there, or feeling sensations on your skin unrelated to physical stimuli.
Delusions
Schizophrenia can cause you to hold beliefs that aren’t grounded in reality, such as believing you are being persecuted, controlled by outside forces, or possessing special powers.
Disorganized thinking
Schizophrenia can lead to displaying fragmented or illogical thought patterns, making it difficult to communicate coherently or maintain a logical train of thought.
Disorganized speech
People with schizophrenia often speak incoherently or in a way that may be difficult to understand.
What are the treatments for schizophrenia?
Treating schizophrenia requires a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments that may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family-based therapy
- Social skills training
- Medication management
- Exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques
- Case management and social services
Your psychiatrist may coordinate your care with other providers to ensure you receive the treatment you need. Call Godwin Psychiatry today or use the online booking tool to learn more.