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Schizophrenia

Elmbrook Psychiatry specializes in treating schizophrenia with prescription medication. We also offer supportive psychotherapy.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave. It can be classified as a severe mental disorder in which people abnormally interpret reality.

 

It can cause hallucinations, disordered thinking, delusions, and behavior that harms daily functioning and can be disabling. People with schizophrenia may require lifelong therapy.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia might affect different people differently. It can change how you feel, think, and act. The symptoms of schizophrenia can come and go, too. The symptoms usually start between 16 - 30, and they might be seen in men earlier as compared to women.

 

Some people with this condition aren’t even aware of it until they see a provider who tells them about it, which is why here are some of the symptoms of schizophrenia listed, if you feel any then feel free to book your appointment with Elmbrook Psychiatry - The Best Psychiatric Provider in The State Of Wisconsin.

 

The symptoms of Schizophrenia can vary from person to person but may include the following:

  • Hallucinations: They can be experienced by a person with schizophrenia. The person might hear, smell, see, or feel things that aren’t real, and no one else could feel them.

  • Delusions: A delusion is an unshakable belief in someone or something untrue. It causes an abnormality in the affected person's content of thought.

  • Thoughts & Speaking disorder: People with this condition might face hardships in organizing their thoughts and speech. They might jumble the words and feel distracted.

  • Movement Disorders: Awkward movement patterns might be observed in people with schizophrenia, and they may seem jumpy.

  • Trouble Concentrating: People cannot concentrate on basic things like watching TV - they might lose track of what’s happening in a TV show, etcetera.

What causes schizophrenia?

What exactly causes schizophrenia is still unknown to the researchers, but there can be a combination of certain factors that play a role in causing schizophrenia.

Here are some possible causes & risk factors that can help understand who might be at risk.

  • Genetics: Researchers don’t believe that there’s any single gene responsible for schizophrenia but a combination can make someone more prone to it.

  • Pregnancy or birth-related factors: It is seen that complications before and during birth may increase the risk of developing a few mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

  • Childhood Trauma: Some people might start experiencing hallucinations related to any possible traumatic event or abuse they experienced as a child.

  • Structural & Chemical Changes in the brain: Some chemical imbalances in the brain may trigger schizophrenia and findings suggest you may have subtle physical differences in your brain if you’re diagnosed with the disorder.

If You Think You Have Schizophrenia

If you think you may have schizophrenia, it’s important to see a mental health professional for an evaluation. They can help you determine if you have schizophrenia and develop a treatment plan.

 

Elmbrook Psychiatry specializes in treating schizophrenia and ruling out other possible conditions.

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