Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental health condition that disrupts a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and relate to others. It often involves psychotic episodes, where individuals experience a disconnect from reality, leading to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Despite its complexity, schizophrenia is a treatable condition, and at “Thriving Minds,” we provide specialized care to help individuals manage their symptoms and lead meaningful lives.
Why is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that affects how a person interprets reality. It involves episodes of psychosis, where individuals may hear voices, see things that aren’t there, or hold delusional beliefs. Schizophrenia is a highly individualized condition, with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It is important to remember that schizophrenia does not imply having “split personalities”; rather, it is characterized by disruptions in thought processes, emotional regulation, and behaviour.
Types of Schizophrenia
- Paranoid Schizophrenia: The most common type, marked by strong delusions (often paranoid) and auditory hallucinations, while cognitive functions remain relatively intact.
- Disorganized Schizophrenia: Characterized by disorganized speech, behavior, and inappropriate emotional responses. Individuals may struggle to communicate effectively or perform daily tasks.
- Catatonic Schizophrenia: Involves extreme disturbances in movement, where individuals may either exhibit excessive movement or remain in rigid, immobile postures.
- Residual Schizophrenia: This occurs when a person has a history of schizophrenic episodes but no longer exhibits major symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, though some negative symptoms (lack of motivation, flat affect) may remain.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A combination of schizophrenia symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) with mood disorder symptoms (mania or depression).
- Schizophreniform Disorder: Similar to schizophrenia, but symptoms last for less than six months. Early treatment is crucial to prevent progression to schizophrenia.
Signs and Symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms are generally classified into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms.
Positive Symptoms (presence of abnormal behaviors):
- Hallucinations: Hearing voices, seeing visions, or feeling sensations that aren’t there.
- Delusions: Strong, false beliefs that aren’t based in reality (e.g., believing someone is plotting against you).
- Disorganized Speech: Difficulty speaking coherently, frequently jumping between unrelated topics.
- Disorganized Behavior: Unpredictable actions, inappropriate emotional reactions, or difficulty performing daily tasks.
Negative Symptoms (absence of normal behaviors):
- Reduced ability to function normally in daily life
- Lack of motivation or interest in activities
- Flat affect, showing little to no emotional expression
- Social withdrawal and decreased communication
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Impaired memory, especially short-term memory
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Problems with decision-making and understanding information
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to seek professional help. Depression is highly treatable, and with the right support, you can feel better.
Comprehensive ADHD Treatment and Therapy
At “Thriving Minds,” we offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating schizophrenia, combining medication, therapy, and novel treatments to address each person’s unique needs.
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Therapy plays a key role in managing schizophrenia. CBT helps individuals challenge distorted thoughts, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their functioning in daily life. CBT is particularly effective in managing delusions and hallucinations, helping individuals recognize what is real and what is part of the disorder.
B. Medications Management:
Medications are the foundation of schizophrenia treatment. Antipsychotics work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Newer, second-generation antipsychotics are often used due to fewer side effects and better overall outcomes.
C.Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) :
ECT is a highly effective treatment option for individuals with severe or treatment-resistant schizophrenia. During ECT, controlled electrical currents are passed through the brain, which can provide rapid symptom relief, particularly in cases where antipsychotic medications alone are not effective. ECT is especially useful for individuals experiencing severe catatonia or prolonged psychosis. While ECT may sound intimidating, it is a safe and well-established treatment performed under anesthesia, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in symptoms.
- E. Neurostimulation Treatments:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
tDCS uses low electrical currents to target areas of the brain involved in cognitive functioning and mood regulation. It is particularly helpful in improving negative symptoms like lack of motivation and emotional withdrawal.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
rTMS is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions. It has been shown to reduce auditory hallucinations and improve cognitive symptoms, making it an effective treatment for schizophrenia patients who do not respond to traditional therapies.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
For expert ADHD diagnosis and tailored treatment plans, reach out to our center. Let us help you or your loved one achieve better focus, control, and overall well-being.
We’ve helped millions feel better.
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
Dr. Smruti Pradhan
“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
Thriving Minds mental health Resource
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
