Schizophrenia Specialist
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Revîv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center
Psychiatrist located in Fullerton, CA
Schizophrenia symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. Patients are often unable to distinguish between real and unreal experiences. Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects about one percent of the population. With treatment most people with Schizophrenia will greatly improve over time. While there is no cure for Schizophrenia, research is leading to new and safer treatments. If Schizophrenia is negatively impacting the quality of your life Dr. Sidhu can you help you manage your symptoms with her expert diagnosis & compassionate care at Revîv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center in Fullerton, California. Book online or call our practice directly.
Schizophrenia Q & A
What are the symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Symptoms are categorized as below:
- Positive psychotic symptoms: Hallucinations, such as hearing voices, paranoid delusions and exaggerated or distorted perceptions, beliefs and behaviors.
- Negative symptoms: A loss or a decrease in the ability to initiate plans, speak, express emotion or find pleasure.
- Disorganization symptoms: Confused and disordered thinking and speech, trouble with logical thinking and sometimes bizarre behavior or abnormal movements.
- Impaired cognition: Problems with attention, concentration, memory and declining educational performance.
Not taking medications as prescribed, use of alcohol or illicit drugs, and stressful situations tend to increase symptoms. Symptoms usually first appear in early adulthood. Men often experience symptoms in their early 20s and women often first show signs in their late 20s and early 30s.
What are the risk factors?
It is believed that a number of genetic and environmental factors contribute to Schizophrenia. Life stresses may play a role in the onset and course of the illness. Since multiple factors may contribute, the exact cause is not known. It is important to note that diagnosis/treatment can be complicated by substance misuse. People with Schizophrenia often misuse drugs more than the general population. Substance misuse further reduces the effectiveness of treatment for Schizophrenia. In such cases, treatment for the addiction should occur along with treatment for Schizophrenia.
How is Schizophrenia treated?
Many antipsychotic medications are effective in reducing acute psychotic symptoms and also help reduce the chance of future episodes. Dr. Sidhu may also recommend seeking therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral or Supportive Psychotherapy, both of which help decrease symptoms and improve function. Other treatments/programs meant to reduce stress, support employment or improve social skills can be very helpful.
Dr. Sidhu believes a positive attitude is important. Patients, family members and mental health professionals need to be mindful that many patients have a favorable course of illness. Even though there are challenges they can often be addressed. Patients have many personal strengths that need to be recognized and supported by the community.
To see if Dr. Sidhu can help you with your Schizophrenia symptoms to lead a better quality life schedule an evaluation at Revîv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center. Book online or over the phone.
