Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious, debilitating mental health disorder that requires lifelong care and ongoing psychiatric support. Psychiatric specialist and nurse practitioner Rachel Christian, ARNP, PMHNP, offers more than two decades of mental health care treatment at MRSC Solutions in Royal Palm, Florida. To schedule an appointment with a qualified provider, call or schedule an appointment online today.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that can significantly affect a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. It can cause delusions, hallucinations, and other serious symptoms that can interfere with your ability to function. While schizophrenia can develop at any age, symptoms tend to occur between your 20s and 30s.

Finding the proper balance of medications and therapy is essential to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia for you or your loved one to lead a productive life personally and professionally. Individuals with schizophrenia usually require lifelong care. The mental health professionals at MRSC Solutions have the experience and training to deliver ongoing support for patients with schizophrenia. 

What are the signs of schizophrenia?

Signs of schizophrenia typically include:

Hallucinations

A hallucination is a sensory experience that isn’t real. You may hear, see, or smells things that aren’t really there. While hallucinations aren’t visible to those around you, they can feel very real.

Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs an individual with schizophrenia holds in spite of facts or proven ideas.

Cognitive symptoms

Many people with schizophrenia experience cognitive symptoms that cause disorganized thinking and difficulty completing tasks.

Negative symptoms

Negative symptoms can cause disconnection from reality. If you have schizophrenia, organizing your thoughts and emotions can be challenging.

What causes schizophrenia?

Most medical experts agree that schizophrenia results from genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry. Substance abuse, infections, stress, and other complications during pregnancy can increase your risk of having a child with schizophrenia. 

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Diagnosing schizophrenia requires a thorough physical and psychological evaluation. To receive a diagnosis, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), you must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms
• Disorganized speech

Your mental health professional may work with you as well as your family and friends to determine whether you meet the criteria for a schizophrenia diagnosis.

What are the treatments for schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia requires lifelong medication, therapy, and ongoing support from an experienced mental health professional. To manage your symptoms, your provider at MRSC Solutions works with you to develop a comprehensive plan that may include diet and lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, and support groups.

Call MRSC Solutions today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about schizophrenia.