Schizophrenia Counseling & Treatment

The mere thought of someone you love “losing in touch with reality” is scary and distressing. When you start noticing bizarre behavioral and social changes in yourself or your loved one that might look like schizophrenia, it’s wise to look into it immediately and seek treatment, especially if you have histories of mental health disorders in your family. 

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder characterized mainly by the inability to identify reality. People with schizophrenia cannot manage their emotions, understand other people’s feelings, function well socially, and think clearly. Hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of the disorder. Learn more about Schizophrenia here.

Schizophrenia causes are unknown. But genetics, environmental factors such as poverty and living in stressful environments, and differences in brain structure and function are believed to contribute to developing schizophrenia. 

Early-onset schizophrenia symptoms

The first warning signs of schizophrenia often appear during mid-adolescence. The symptoms are often subtle yet gradual. You will know that something is wrong, but you’re not quite sure what it is exactly until their maybe their first episode of psychosis. Click here to learn more about pyschosis. 

The first signs of schizophrenia are gradual changes in functions, cognition, mood, and behavior. These include:

• social isolation or withdrawal
• Eccentric behavior
• Unmotivated and indifferent to life
• Depression
• Inability to express emotions or the right emotions based on the situation
  
• Neglecting personal hygiene and appearance
• Dropping weird or peculiar statements 
• Deteriorating performance at school or work
• Sleeping problems including insomnia or oversleeping
• Forgetfulness

These warning signs can fall under a few other mental health problems. The diagnosis of schizophrenia often isn’t until the first episode of psychosis, usually during late teen years. But it is important to seek medical help and treatment early. Early diagnosis means earlier and better management of symptoms so they can live a better and more functional life despite the disorder.

Schizophrenia Symptoms

The symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into three general categories. These include. 

Psychotic or Positive symptoms, such as:

• Hallucinations, seeing and hearing voices that are not real
• Delusions, exaggerated perceptions sense of self. 
• Distorted thoughts and beliefs and speech

Negative symptoms include:

• Loss of motivation
• Disinterest in life in general
• The inability of difficulty to experience pleasure
• Flat affect or diminished ability to display emotions
• Social withdrawal or reclusion
  

Cognitive Symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating and focusing
• Decline in work or school performance
• Difficulty processing information and making decisions
• Forgetfulness
  

Schizophrenia Treatment and Therapy

Dealing with schizophrenia can be taxing and stressful. But ignoring and denying the problem will only make things worse. It is essential to stick to a highly regimented treatment program to help manage the symptoms. 

At ThoughtWise, we offer full support to the patient and their family to help treat the disorder. The first line of treatment is always medications to help control the psychotic symptoms. Mood stabilizers and anti-depressants are also often prescribed as mood swings, and depression are common in schizophrenia patients. 

Psychotherapy and psychosocial support are also part of the treatment plant. Our goal is to help the patient improve their coping skills to address the challenges of living with the disorder and learn life-management skills to function better in society. 

Living with and taking care of someone who has schizophrenia is a tough job. We also offer family education and support not just to help you help and understand the person with the illness but also to help you cope and recover from the stress that it may cause you and your family. 

We want to help you and your loved one get through the stress the illness can cause you and your family. Get in touch with our team of mental health professionals at ThoughtWise and start getting the help you need.