Schizophrenia

Now seeing patients via telemedicine in Rockford, Chicago, Champaign, Peoria, Springfield, the Metro East, and across Illinois.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder affecting the way you feel, behave, and think. It’s often characterized by delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there). While there’s no cure, treating schizophrenia can help you manage the condition long term and dramatically enhance your quality of life.

Which symptoms can schizophrenia cause?

Schizophrenia symptoms include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized behaviors, thoughts, and actions
• Losing touch with reality 
• Poor personal hygiene
• Poor eye contact
• Not showing any emotion
• Speaking in a monotone voice
• Unusual motor behaviors
• Child-like silliness 
• Weird behavior patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Social withdrawal 
• Loss of interest in once-favored activities 
• Poor school or work performance
• Lack of motivation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Awkward social interactions 
• Suicidal thoughts

Visit ClariPath Psychiatry at the first sign of schizophrenia to get the treatment you or a loved one needs to flourish. 

What are the risk factors for schizophrenia?

While the cause isn’t known, schizophrenia risk factors may include:

• Family history of schizophrenia
• Brain chemistry changes
• Ongoing stress
• Living in poverty
• Pregnancy complications
• Taking mind-altering drugs

Left untreated, schizophrenia can contribute to suicidal behaviors, anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorder (SUD). It may lead to job loss, homelessness, physical medical problems, money issues, and being victimized. 

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Your ClariPath Psychiatry specialist uses DSM-5 criteria to diagnose schizophrenia and/or other mental health conditions. They discuss your or a family member’s thoughts, behaviors, moods, emotions, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They may suggest an MRI, CT scan, or other diagnostic tests to detect underlying problems and determine how to best treat your condition.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Common schizophrenia treatments include:

• Medication management
• Healthy lifestyle modifications
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy) 
• Social skills training
• Family therapy 
• Support groups
• Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
• Referrals for community support programs
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

It’s helpful to get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, stay active, minimize stress, and avoid drugs and alcohol. Follow up with ClariPath Psychiatry to maximize your mental health outcomes and overall quality of life.

Schedule a telemedicine evaluation for schizophrenia at ClariPath Psychiatry by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.