Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health challenge characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking patterns. There’s no cure, but treatment with Dr. Lowe offers improved symptom management and a better quality of life. 

If you or a loved one has signs of schizophrenia, schedule an evaluation at Centered Behavioral Health & Wellness.

Which symptoms can schizophrenia cause?

Schizophrenia can cause:

• Hallucinations: sensing, hearing, or seeing things that aren’t there
• Delusions: strong beliefs not based in reality
• Psychosis: disorganized behaviors and thinking patterns

• Disorganized speech

• Trouble organizing your thoughts

• Disorganization

• Repetitive motions

• Excessive laughing

• Unnatural behaviors

• Poor socialization

• Not showing emotion

About 1 in 300 people may have schizophrenia worldwide. It reduces their ability to hold a job, complete simple everyday tasks, and care for themselves.

What might increase the risk of schizophrenia?

The exact cause of schizophrenia isn’t known, but its risk factors may include:

• Chemical brain imbalances
• Problems with fetal brain development
• Other brain changes
• Family history of schizophrenia
• Malnutrition or virus exposure before birth
• Substance misuse 

Schizophrenia may increase your risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and lack of attention to your appearance or hygiene. 

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Dr. Lowe diagnoses schizophrenia by completing a mental health evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. He reviews your medical history, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. 

He also asks questions about your thoughts, behaviors, moods, and emotions, and might recommend a CT scan, MRI, lab tests, brain activity tests, or other diagnostic tests.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Your personalized schizophrenia treatment plan may consist of:

• Healthy lifestyle modifications 
• Medication management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 
• Rehabilitation training
• Family therapy
• Cognitive support
• Referrals to work or school support services
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) referrals

Treating schizophrenia can enhance your quality of life by improving communication skills, thinking ability, and long-term success. 

Follow up with Dr. Lowe as often as needed for continued therapy or medication management to ensure exceptional mental health outcomes. Visit with him if you have questions or concerns about your treatment plan.

Schedule a schizophrenia evaluation at Centered Behavioral Health & Wellness by calling the office or booking a visit online today.