Schizophrenia

While schizophrenia is often a misunderstood mental health condition, you can rely on board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Peter Formusoh, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, and the mental health team at Holistic Health and Psychiatry in Arlington, Texas, for their expertise in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia. The team aims to help regulate symptoms, giving those with the condition a thriving, fulfilling life. To learn more, book a visit today online or call the practice today. Telehealth is an option, too.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental health disorder characterized by a combination of disturbances in:

• Thinking
• Perception
• Emotions
• Behavior
• Social interactions

People with schizophrenia often struggle with distinguishing between reality and delusions or hallucinations, experiencing disruptions in their ability to think logically and maintain emotional stability.

What causes schizophrenia?

The exact cause of schizophrenia isn’t fully understood. However, it’s likely to involve genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. For those with a family history of schizophrenia, they are more at risk for developing the condition.

Neurochemical imbalances involving neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, are also implicated. 

Environmental factors, such as exposure to stress or trauma during pregnancy, complications during childbirth, or psychosocial stressors, may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Symptoms of schizophrenia are broadly categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include hallucinations (perceptions of things that aren’t present) and delusions (false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning). 

Negative symptoms involve disruptions to normal emotional functioning, such as diminished motivation, social withdrawal, and reduced emotional expression. 

Cognitive symptoms may include difficulties with memory, attention, and decision-making.

How is schizophrenia treated?

The trained experts at Holistic Health and Psychiatry offer a combination of treatments, including antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and support services.

Antipsychotic medications are the primary pharmacological intervention and work by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly dopamine. They provide medication management to monitor the effectiveness of the medicines and can make adjustments based on the individual's response and side effects.

Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy, can help individuals manage symptoms, improve coping strategies, and enhance daily functioning. Social support and community services, such as vocational rehabilitation and housing assistance, are essential components of schizophrenia treatment to address the broader aspects of an individual's life.

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition requiring long-term care. Regular follow-up appointments, collaboration with the Holistic Health and Psychiatry team, and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan contribute to the effective management of symptoms and improvement in the overall quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

To learn more, call or book an appointment online today. Telehealth and in-home visits are also an option.