Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe neurological brain disorder that affects 1.1% of American adults. Will Lambert, PMHNP, FNP, and the expert providers at Optimus Health and Wellness provide exceptional schizophrenia care to patients aged 12 and older. The practice offers in-person and telehealth appointments to the community in The Woodlands, Texas, and telehealth care to patients in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Vermont, Maine, and Maryland. If you’re looking for support for yourself or a loved one, call the practice today or schedule an appointment online.

What is schizophrenia? 

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that typically involves delusions, hallucinations, unusual physical behavior, and disorganized thinking and speech. 

People with schizophrenia may also have paranoid thoughts or hear voices — believing someone is going to harm them or control their minds. The disorder can make it difficult to live a normal life or take care of oneself. 

Although the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, genetic makeup and brain chemistry may be contributing factors. 

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

For men, schizophrenia symptoms typically start in your early to mid-20s. For women, symptoms typically begin in their late 20s. It's rare for children to receive a schizophrenia diagnosis and uncommon for people aged 45 and older. 

Symptoms may include:  

• Hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that don’t exist)
• Paranoia
• Distorted perceptions or beliefs 
• A loss or a decrease in the ability to express emotion
• Trouble finding pleasure or joy 
• Disordered speech
• Trouble with logical thinking 
• Bizarre behavior or abnormal movements
• Trouble with concentration and memory 
• A reduced ability to function normally, like ignoring personal hygiene 

More subtle symptoms may be present early on, like relationship problems, poor school or work performance, and reduced motivation.

Symptoms must persist for at least six months for an official schizophrenia diagnosis. 

How do you treat schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia requires lifelong care, but many patients see improvements once beginning treatment. Optimus Health and Wellness conducts a thorough mental health assessment and exploration of your or your loved ones’ medical history before developing a treatment plan.

Medication

Antipsychotic medications can help manage symptoms, making them less intrusive and unsettling. Your provider may have you try various medications and doses before finding the most effective option.

If you don’t respond to medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a helpful brain stimulation technique that passes small electric currents through your brain.

Therapy 

Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you normalize thought patterns, detect early signs of a relapse, handle day-to-day stress, and prolong periods of remission. 

The practice offers family therapy for families coping with schizophrenia. They may refer you to 

supported-employment programs to help you or a loved one maintain or find a job while in recovery. 

During times of severe symptoms, your provider may recommend hospitalization. 

For exceptional schizophrenia care, call Optimus Health and Wellness today or schedule a consultation online.