Schizophrenia Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental health condition. About 2.8 million adults in the United States have this condition. People with schizophrenia typically experience symptoms that impact their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

One of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia is a feeling of detachment from reality. This sense of detachment from reality can impact people’s behaviors. It can be very distressing for the person with schizophrenia and those around them.

Living with schizophrenia can make many daily activities more challenging. However, developing and following an effective treatment plan can help people manage symptoms and improve functioning.

This article will explore schizophrenia and how to treat it. You will learn:

  • The symptoms of schizophrenia
  • The risk factors that may contribute to schizophrenia
  • What to expect during treatment for schizophrenia
  • Where to find comprehensive schizophrenia treatment programs

If you or someone you love lives with schizophrenia, you are not alone. Comprehensive, compassionate care is available at New Jersey Behavioral Health Centers. Contact our intake team to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

Understanding the Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The term “schizophrenia” comes from the Latin words meaning “split mind.” While some people believe that schizophrenia means having multiple personalities, this is not accurate.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), schizophrenia is a chronic (long-term) mental health condition. People typically begin to experience symptoms of schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be very disruptive to daily functioning. They can significantly affect people’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

Mental health experts categorize schizophrenia symptoms as cognitive, psychotic, and negative. Here is an overview of the categories of schizophrenia symptoms.

Cognitive

The cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia may impair functioning. They include:

  • Difficulty maintaining attention or focus
  • Difficulty processing information
  • Inability to use new information after learning it
  • Impaired ability to make decisions
  • Memory impairment

People with schizophrenia may struggle to remember or learn new information. They may have trouble keeping up with conversations or following instructions. These and other cognitive symptoms may significantly impair daily functioning.

Psychotic

People with schizophrenia may exhibit psychotic symptoms, including:

Delusions: Believing things that are irrational or untrue.

Hallucinations: Seeing, tasting, feeling, hearing, or smelling things that are not real. Hearing voices is one of the most common hallucinations among those with schizophrenia.

Thought disorders: Using made-up words, having trouble organizing speech or thoughts, having odd or disordered thoughts, etc.

Psychotic symptoms can be distressing for the person with the condition. They can also cause behaviors that distress friends, family members, and others.

Negative

People with schizophrenia may exhibit negative symptoms, including:

  • Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, and daily activities
  • Isolation from others
  • Loss of motivation
  • Difficulty expressing emotions

These and other negative symptoms can cause people to withdraw from society. Daily activities, such as work or running errands, may be challenging. People with schizophrenia may also develop odd speech patterns. This could include speaking very slowly or only speaking in a monotone voice.

People with schizophrenia may exhibit symptoms long before their first psychotic break. They may show changes in their mood, thinking, social skills, or behavior. Friends and family may notice these changes before their loved one has their first psychotic episode.

What are the Risk Factors for Schizophrenia?

Mental health professionals believe several factors can contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Genetics

Researchers believe there is a genetic component of developing schizophrenia. Having a close family member (a parent, grandparent, or sibling) with schizophrenia may increase a person’s risk of developing it.

Experts believe there are multiple genes involved in the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Having a close family member with schizophrenia does not guarantee a person will develop this condition.

Environmental factors

Research seems to suggest a link between certain environmental factors and schizophrenia. These factors include:

  • Living in poverty
  • Ongoing exposure to dangerous environments or high levels of stress
  • Problems with prenatal nutrition
  • Early exposure to viruses

Some researchers believe environmental and genetic risk factors have the most significant role in predicting who will develop schizophrenia.

Brain structure

Some research seems to show structural differences between the brains of people with schizophrenia and those who do not. Some experts believe prenatal brain development may have a role in the development of schizophrenia.

What to Expect During Treatment for Schizophrenia

Comprehensive schizophrenia treatment programs consist of medications, psychotherapy, and education. Here is an overview of what to expect during treatment for schizophrenia.

Medications

Psychiatrists or other doctors typically perform a medication review or prescribe antipsychotic medications. These medications can help people reduce symptoms and improve functioning. People must work with their treatment team to find a medication routine that fits their needs. It is also crucial to find a medication with the fewest side effects.

Therapy

Individual therapy, family therapy, and support groups can help people process their emotions and develop new coping skills. People with schizophrenia may also work closely with a social worker or case manager. This can help them identify and address new or ongoing needs.

Education

Learning about schizophrenia can help people manage their symptoms. Family and friends may benefit from psychoeducation and ongoing support, including family support groups and individual therapy.

Find a Schizophrenia Treatment Program

If you or someone you love lives with schizophrenia, you are not alone. Contact New Jersey Behavioral Health Centers specialists to learn about our treatment programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. American Psychiatric Association (APA): What is Schizophrenia?
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): A review of vulnerability and risks for schizophrenia: Beyond the two hit hypothesis
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Schizophrenia
  4. National Institute of Health (NIH): Non-Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia

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