What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a rare, but severe, brain disorder that causes hallucinations, delusions, and distorted thinking. While schizophrenia is chronic, with effective psychiatric care, you can regulate your mental health and lead a fulfilling and independent life.

Schizophrenia is often misunderstood. The condition doesn’t cause multiple personalities. Also, people with schizophrenia aren’t usually violent or dangerous. Most people with schizophrenia live with their families, in group homes, or independently.

Both men and women develop schizophrenia, although men usually have an earlier onset of the disease than women.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Episodes of activity and dormancy characterize schizophrenia. During a schizophrenic episode, your symptoms flare up and disrupt your ability to distinguish between real and unreal events. Schizophrenic symptoms are classified as positive psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized symptoms, and impaired cognition.

Positive psychotic symptoms are abnormal, extra perceptions such as hallucinations, delusions, or distorted perceptions. For example, you may hear voices or develop an intense belief that you’re being watched or followed.

Negative symptoms decrease your overall function. For example, your ability to make or keep plans may decline, or you may lose the ability to communicate clearly, express your emotions, or experience any pleasure.

Disorganized symptoms affect your thoughts and speech patterns. You may struggle with logical or linear thinking or display abnormal movements.

Impaired cognition symptoms include decreased attention, poor concentration and memory, and declining educational performance.

How is schizophrenia treated?

At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health, Dr. Estakhri begins treatment with a detailed assessment of your overall and mental health. He checks for signs of other conditions that could contribute to your symptoms and may order a CT scan or MRI to examine your brain.

If Dr. Estakhri diagnoses schizophrenia, he provides a comprehensive and customized treatment plan to control and regulate your condition. Medication is a critical part of treatment for schizophrenia. Medicine regulates your brain chemistry and reduces your hallucinations, delusions, and other disruptive symptoms.

In addition to medication, therapy sessions can help you learn how to cope with your thoughts and symptoms, creating routines and strategies that allow you to function normally. You will also learn to recognize the early warning signs of relapse or flare-up of your condition so you can talk to Dr. Estakhri and get the help you need before your symptoms emerge and disrupt your life.

Call Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health or schedule a consultation online today for expert treatment for schizophrenia.

949-945-0927