What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that causes delusions, hallucinations, and concentration problems. Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia doesn’t cause split or multiple personalities and people with schizophrenia aren’t dangerous. Approximately 1% of the population has schizophrenia and with effective care and support, you can lead a healthy and active life.
What are symptoms of schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia has active and inactive stages. When you’re in an active stage, you may find it difficult to distinguish between reality and your delusions. Your symptoms can vary both in severity and the specific symptoms you experience. Schizophrenia symptoms are typically categorized into four categories.
Positive psychotic symptoms
- Auditory hallucinations
- Delusions
- Distorted perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors
Negative symptoms
- Loss of positive feelings such as pleasure
- Inability to make or complete plans
- Decreased ability to speak or express yourself
Disorganization symptoms
- Disordered or illogical thinking
- Confusion
- Abnormal behaviors and movements
Impaired cognition
- Poor attention and concentration
- Impaired memory
- Declining performance at work or school
What causes schizophrenia?
While the exact causes of schizophrenia are currently unknown, it’s believed that the disorder is linked to an imbalance in dopamine and glutamate, two neurotransmitters the brain uses to send messages. What causes those imbalances is currently unknown, but there are risk factors associated with the condition, including family history, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy and birth complications like malnutrition and exposure to certain toxins.
Schizophrenia symptoms are often triggered or worsened by substance abuse. Misuse of controlled substances can also reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
How is schizophrenia treated?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for schizophrenia. However, at Pacifica Care of Suncoast, you receive customized care to manage your schizophrenic symptoms and improve your overall wellness.
Treatment for schizophrenia often combines medication and therapy. The medication restores chemical balance to your brain which can significantly reduce your symptoms. Therapy helps you learn techniques to recognize your thoughts and respond to them differently.
The team at Pacifica Care of Suncoast also offers alternative treatments like vitamin B12 shots and folic acid supplements to help reduce some of the symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, and inability to express emotions.
If you have concerns about schizophrenia, either for yourself or a loved one, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Notes: symptoms, how they're treat; they also use alternative treatments like B12 shots
