Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that disrupts thoughts, changes behaviors, and can derail your life. At Ismail MD PA, experienced psychiatrist Saiqa Ismail, MD, offers comprehensive treatment that can reduce psychotic episodes, put severe symptoms into remission, and teach the skills you need to reclaim control. If you need care for schizophrenia, call the office in Coral Springs, Florida, or request an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia causes the hallmark symptom of psychosis. People with schizophrenia lose their ability to recognize reality and have episodes of distorted thoughts and behaviors that can make it impossible to hold a job, have personal relationships, or care for themselves.

What psychotic symptoms does schizophrenia cause?

Psychotic episodes may include four types of symptoms:

Delusions

A delusion is a belief not based on reality. For example, you may believe someone controls your thoughts or that you’re a famous person.

Hallucinations

A hallucination occurs when you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste something that isn’t real.

Disorganized thoughts and speech

People with schizophrenia have unusual and illogical thoughts that they can’t organize. Their disordered thinking comes out in the way they speak. They may jump from one topic to another, say things that don’t make sense, or stop talking without completing the sentence.

Disorganized or catatonic behaviors

Disorganized behaviors include many repetitive, bizarre, inappropriate, or senseless behaviors. For example, you may have emotional reactions that are out of place (laughing at a sad event), talk to yourself, or pace. Catatonic behavior typically means sitting still without moving or talking.

What other symptoms occur due to schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia also causes negative and cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms refer to difficulty concentrating or paying attention. You may also have memory problems.

Negative symptoms refer to the loss of typical or expected emotions. For example, you may not show facial expressions or lose all desire to socialize.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Treatment for schizophrenia begins with antipsychotic medications. You need medication to reduce the severity and frequency of psychotic symptoms. Your provider may prescribe daily tablets or long-lasting injections. Both forms may keep your symptoms in remission.

While medications ease psychotic episodes, therapy treats negative and cognitive symptoms. In addition to managing your symptoms, therapy teaches the skills you need to succeed in life. For example, you may need to learn how to manage anger or build relationships.

Ismail MD PA offers intensive support and treatment for people with schizophrenia. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Dr. Ismail is an experienced psychiatrist that treats patients for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder and more. Call us to book your appointment today.