Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behavior. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms such as hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there), delusions (holding false beliefs), disorganized thinking and speech, reduced emotional expression, and difficulties in social functioning. Schizophrenia often requires long-term treatment involving a combination of medication, therapy, and support services to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Symptoms
- Hallucinations: Sensing things that are not actually present, such as hearing voices, seeing objects or people that others don’t perceive, or experiencing tactile sensations without any external cause.
- Delusions: Holding strong, fixed beliefs that are not based on reality, such as believing in conspiracies, being controlled by external forces, or having extraordinary powers.
- Disorganized Thinking: Exhibiting difficulties in organizing thoughts, connecting ideas, and maintaining coherent speech patterns, leading to disjointed or incoherent conversations.
- Abnormal Motor Behavior: Demonstrating unusual movements or behaviors, such as repetitive motions, catatonic states, or unpredictable and agitated actions.
- Negative Symptoms: Experiencing a reduction or absence of normal emotional expression, motivation, and social engagement. This may include diminished facial expressions, reduced speech, lack of pleasure or interest, and social withdrawal.
- Impaired Cognitive Functioning: Experiencing difficulties with memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making, which can impact daily functioning and overall cognitive abilities.
Causes
- Genetic Factors: A family history of schizophrenia is considered a significant risk factor, as certain genetic variations or combinations of genes may contribute to an increased susceptibility to the disorder. However, having a family member with schizophrenia does not guarantee its development.
- Brain Chemistry and Structure: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine and glutamate, have been associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, abnormalities in brain structure and functioning, including enlarged ventricles or reduced gray matter volume, have been observed in individuals with the disorder.
- Environmental Factors: Prenatal and early-life factors, such as maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during birth, or exposure to certain toxins or viruses, have been implicated as potential environmental contributors to the development of schizophrenia.
- Neurodevelopmental Factors: Disruptions or abnormalities in the brain’s development during fetal or early childhood may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.
- Stress and Trauma: Experiencing significant stress, trauma, or adverse life events, particularly during vulnerable periods, may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms in individuals already at risk due to other factors.
Treatment
Preston Eyerman, PMNHP, offers comprehensive treatment methods for Schizophrenia, helping individuals achieve stability and improve their quality of life. His treatment approach includes a combination of medication management, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and personalized care plans tailored to each client’s unique needs. Through the telehealth platform at Preston’s Psychiatric Services, clients have the opportunity to meet with him from the comfort of their homes while receiving the highest standard of care for their Schizophrenia.
