Schizophrenia Clinic Q&A

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects a very small part of the U.S. population – less than one percent – and is considered a chronic condition due to the fact that those who have it can see repeated episodes throughout their life. Whilst a cure for schizophrenia has not yet been discovered, ongoing research is leading to more innovative and safer treatments; experts are also seeking to understand the causes of the disease by studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and examining the brain’s structure and function. It’s been a commonly held belief that schizophrenia means either a split- or multiple-personality, but this is not the case. Another misconception is that people with schizophrenia are often homeless and end up living in hospitals or institutions, whereas the reality is that most live with families or in group homes. Schizophrenia affects both men and women in fairly equal numbers, but studies have shown that the earlier onset of the disease is more common in males, who often experience the initial symptoms in their late teens to early 20s. Women generally tend to exhibit the first signs of the disease in their 20s and early 30s.

As with any illness, the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms of schizophrenia can vary, however, someone with schizophrenia may notice that the incidence of severe psychotic symptoms may diminish as they get older. Conversely, an increase in symptoms can be attributed to not taking prescribed medications as directed, the use of alcohol or illicit drugs, and stressful situations. 

The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three main groups:

• Positive – hallucinations, paranoia, exaggerated or false perceptions, beliefs, and behavior.
• Negative – characterized by a diminished ability to make plans, speak, express emotion, or find pleasure.
• Disorganized – symptoms that cause confusion, illogical thoughts, disordered speech, and sometimes strange behavior or abnormal movements.

Cognitive actions can also be affected and can result in decreased functions in memory, attention, and concentration.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a diagnosis of schizophrenia is made when a person has exhibited two or more core symptoms (one of which must be hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech) for at least one month. Other core symptoms are gross disorganization and reduced emotional expression. When making the diagnosis the psychiatrist will also determine whether the person has exhibited these, or other, symptoms for at least six months. A thorough medical examination should also be performed to rule out other potential causes such as substance misuse or other neurological or medical conditions that can be mistaken for schizophrenia. 

The main types of treatment for schizophrenia are counseling and medication. Medicines will control psychotic symptoms in most people, but those with less severe cases may not need them. Those who take medications will find that:

• The hallucinations either lessen or stop;
• They are better able to distinguish between hallucinations and the real world;
• Feelings of confusion are diminished;
• Cognitive functions are clearer.

Some people may, mistakenly, believe that the medications have done their job by reducing or stopping their symptoms and decide to stop taking them because they feel they are no longer needed. Another reason that people may discontinue their medication is if they experience undesirable side effects, but this often results in the return of the symptoms, so it is always important to seek medical advice before discontinuing any course of medication.

We specialize in psychiatric medication management, telepsychiatry, and treatment for all types of mental health conditions. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, St. Louis MO, Independence MO, Olathe KS, Columbia MO, Craig KS, Spring Hill KS, Pierpont MO, Kirkwood MO, Kansas City MO, River Bend MO & Beyond!