Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that impacts your ability to think, behave, relate to others, and manage emotions. When someone has schizophrenia, it can seem as though they’ve lost touch with reality.

Anyone can develop schizophrenia, but it typically appears in early adulthood. In men, symptoms begin in the late teens or early 20s, while they are seen in women in the late 20s to early 30s.

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1% of Americans.

What causes schizophrenia?

Several factors might lead to schizophrenia, including:

• A family history of the disorder
• Brain chemistry or structure issues
• Substance abuse, especially at a young age
• Exposure to malnutrition or viruses before birth
• Problems during the birth process

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia symptoms are organized into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive.

Positive

Positive symptoms are the ones that generally aren’t seen in healthy men and women, and include agitated body movements, strange or dysfunctional ways of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations.

Negative

Negative symptoms indicate changes in healthy behaviors and emotions, such as reduced facial expressions, speaking, and feelings of pleasure in everyday life. You may also have challenges sustaining or beginning activities.

Cognitive

Symptoms associated with this category can be subtle but include challenges paying attention or focusing, being unable to use new information, and having difficulties understanding things and making decisions.

While there isn’t a cure for schizophrenia, Dr. Madkaiker can help you effectively manage your condition.

How is schizophrenia diagnosed and treated?

Schizophrenia can be challenging to diagnose in young people because the first symptoms, such as withdrawal, sleep problems, and irritability, seem like typical adolescent behavior,

To make an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Madkaiker rules out other underlying medical conditions and psychiatric disorders that might have similar symptoms and evaluates your symptoms for six months.

Following your diagnosis, Dr. Madkaiker works closely with you to manage your symptoms. This might include taking antipsychotic medications, as well as psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavior therapy. He also provides strategies and education to help you play an active role managing your own condition.

To learn more about schizophrenia treatment, call Satyen Madkaiker, MD, FAPA, or schedule an appointment online today.