Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that affects a person’s thinking and behavior to the point that it affects their sense of reality. Without proper care, schizophrenia is disabling. The highly skilled team of mental health experts at Zeam Medical Group provide expert care for those struggling with schizophrenia at their offices in Roseville and Folsom, California. Call or schedule an appointment at the multispecialty practice online today. Telehealth appointments are available.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that causes extreme changes in thinking, behavior, and emotions. People with schizophrenia experience hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking that affect behavior, decision making, and relationships.

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of schizophrenia, but theorize it may develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, along with changes in brain chemistry.

Schizophrenia usually appears during late adolescence or early adulthood. However, you can develop schizophrenia at any age.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia symptoms vary, but usually fall into specific categories. These include:

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are when you hear or see things that aren’t there. In people with schizophrenia, hallucinations are very real. 

Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs that don’t change even when presented with the facts. For example, believing someone is harming you or a major catastrophe is about to happen.

Disorganized speech 

Schizophrenia affects thinking, which causes disorganized speech. People with the mental health condition may create meaningless words or provide off-topic answers to direct questions. 

Negative symptoms

Negative symptoms affect normal abilities, such as neglecting hygiene, lack of emotional response, or inability to maintain relationships. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia may look like depression.

People with schizophrenia are unaware of their symptoms, making it hard for them to get help on their own. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health symptoms, the team at Zeam Medical Group can help.

What happens during a schizophrenia consultation?

Zeam Medical Group is a multispecialty medical practice that includes health professionals who manage physical and mental health. The specifics of your schizophrenia consultation at Zeam Medical Group may depend on your needs.

The psychiatric team completes psychological testing to better understand your thoughts and emotions. They may also have you meet with the primary care team for a medical evaluation. 

What are the treatments for schizophrenia?

Zeam Medical Group takes a team approach to schizophrenia. The specifics of your treatment plan depend on the severity of your symptoms and your outside support.

Treatment may include:

• Medication management
• Psychotherapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Vocational rehabilitation

Schizophrenia is a lifelong mental illness that requires ongoing medical management. With the right treatment plan and support, people with schizophrenia can live healthy, productive lives.

For help with schizophrenia, call Zeam Medical Group or schedule an appointment online today.