Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that usually appears between the ages of 16 and 30 and lasts a lifetime. But with expert care from Lydia Kimeli-Pope, MSN-PMHNP, at Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health in New Braunfels, Texas, you can manage your symptoms and learn the skills you need to build a meaningful life. Whether you’re worried about your symptoms or you’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia and require comprehensive care, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health or use the online booking feature today.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects your ability to think, disrupts your emotions, and changes how you perceive and interact with the world. When your symptoms are active, schizophrenia causes psychotic episodes that make it impossible to separate your thoughts from the real world. As a result, you can’t function in your everyday life.

What are the psychotic symptoms caused by schizophrenia?

You have four primary symptoms during a psychotic episode:

Delusions

A delusion is something you firmly believe that’s not grounded in reality. All the evidence shows you’re wrong, but you cling to your beliefs. For example, you may believe someone is controlling your thoughts or that you’re a famous person.

Hallucinations

When you hallucinate, you see, feel, hear, smell, or taste something that doesn’t exist.

Disorganized thoughts and speech

Schizophrenia makes your thoughts chaotic and jumbled. You may have racing thoughts that constantly run through your head in a disjointed, illogical manner. Many people also have memory lapses.

Your chaotic thoughts are reflected in the way you speak. You may jump from one topic to another, say things that don’t make sense, mix up words, or stop talking before you finish the sentence.

Disorganized behavior

Disorganized behavior means you exhibit repetitive, senseless, bizarre, and sometimes dangerous behaviors. You may walk in circles, act silly, or become aggressive. Some people become catatonic and don’t move or speak.

What are the negative symptoms caused by schizophrenia?

Negative symptoms refer to a lack of emotions and motivation. In addition to not expressing emotions, you may refuse to have contact with people, stop enjoying activities, and neglect personal hygiene.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Antipsychotic medications are the first line of treatment. Your Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health provider prescribes antipsychotics that reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic episodes. If you keep using these medications, psychosis may go into remission.

Though medication is essential, your provider also recommends therapy. Therapy focuses on teaching skills for managing your emotions and behaviors and being successful in life. Many people learn to recognize the signs of a pending psychotic episode to prevent it from occurring.

Schizophrenia is a lifelong brain condition that can be managed with compassionate treatment at Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call or connect online today.