Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, characterized by delusions and hallucinations, is a serious mental health disorder that affects 1% of the world’s population. At My Psych Today in Katy, Texas, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, helps you or a loved one manage this condition to live the best quality of life possible. Schedule an evaluation by calling My Psych Today or booking a visit online.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that’s less common than many others, such as depression and anxiety, but can become severe when left untreated. It may dramatically hinder the quality of life of individuals with this condition, making it difficult to hold down a job, have healthy interpersonal relationships, and maintain self-care. Treatment helps manage symptoms.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia include:

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• Delusions (believing things that aren’t true)
• Disorganized speech and behavior
• Limited or no emotional expression
• Cognitive impairment
• Being out of touch with reality
• Unusual motor behaviors
• Poor personal hygiene habits
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Loss of interest in everyday activities
• Social withdrawal
• Poor planning
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Poor quality of life

Symptoms often appear during late adolescence and early adulthood. They vary in severity and may worsen and get better — or always be present. 

What are the risk factors for schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia risk factors include:

• Brain chemistry changes
• Family history of schizophrenia
• Poverty
• Stress
• Trauma
• Issues during pregnancy or birth
• Toxin exposure before birth
• Using mind-altering drugs

However, the cause of schizophrenia isn’t clear. Complications linked to schizophrenia include anxiety, depression, alcohol or drug misuse, physical health problems, social isolation, being victimized, money problems, and even homelessness. 

Treatment at My Psych Today can help you or a loved one manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. 

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Diagnosing schizophrenia involves a medical history review, psychiatric evaluation, and lifestyle assessment. Alaa asks questions about you or a loved one’s behavior, moods, thoughts, and emotions. He personalizes a plan that maximizes mental health outcomes. 

How is schizophrenia treated?

Treating schizophrenia often consists of therapy, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments. You might benefit from individualized therapy, family therapy, social support groups, social skill training, and vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. 

It’s also important to eat nutritious foods, manage stress, get enough sleep, and avoid drugs and alcohol. If you struggle with substance misuse, My Psych Today offers intensive outpatient programs and similar solutions. Follow up with Alaa as often as needed for therapy and medication monitoring.

Schedule a schizophrenia evaluation at My Psych Today by calling the office or requesting a visit online.