Schizophrenia Specialist

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder, causes disruptive symptoms that interfere with your perception of reality and how you interact with it. Schizophrenia affects men and women, although symptoms usually emerge earlier in men.

Schizophrenia is often misunderstood. It doesn’t cause multiple personalities, nor are people with schizophrenia particularly dangerous or violent. 

What are the signs of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia causes various disruptive and distressing symptoms. They fall into three categories: positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms. 

Positive symptoms add to your experiences. They include auditory and visual hallucinations that cause you to see and hear things that aren’t really there. You might also have exaggerated or distorted beliefs or behaviors, such as paranoia. 

Negative symptoms detract from your experiences. For example, you might lose your ability to form thoughts or speak in coherent sentences. You might struggle to express your emotions or lose interest in a previously enjoyed activity. 

Disorganized symptoms include disordered or confused thoughts or speech. You might have trouble with logical thinking. Your behavior may become bizarre, or you could have abnormal movements or have difficulty controlling your body. 

When should I talk to a doctor about schizophrenia?

While there isn’t a cure for schizophrenia, it is treatable, and the earlier you start treatment, the better for your overall outcome. Call Dr. Sanchez if you have any signs of schizophrenia. You may not notice the symptoms yourself, so if someone close to you suggests you see a doctor, listen to them.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Dr. Sanchez begins treatment with a comprehensive exam and consultation. She needs to learn about your lifestyle and medical history, including your physical health, and your symptoms. 

Dr. Sanchez offers a holistic approach to mental health. Following your initial assessment, she creates a multidisciplinary treatment plan. Dr. Sanchez combines therapeutic techniques, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. 

Medications can relieve your symptoms. During therapy, you learn and practice techniques to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. Dr. Sanchez may suggest that you adjust your diet, add exercise to your daily routine, or participate in group therapy to work on social skills. 

Call Venice Sanchez, MD, today or make an appointment online if you have any concerns about schizophrenia and want attentive expert treatment.