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Schizophrenia usually appears in the late teens to early thirties, but subtle signs may begin years before the full-blown condition develops. Early treatment improves outcomes, so don’t wait to seek help from the experienced Bellevue Psychiatry team. Schedule an appointment as soon as you notice early signs like a decline in school performance, changes in speech, flat emotions, social isolation, or after a psychotic episode. Call the Kennewick, Vancouver, Bellevue, or Kirkland, Washington, office or use online booking to request an in-person or telehealth appointment.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia alters the way you think and how you interact with other people. The primary symptom of schizophrenia, psychosis, causes you to lose touch with reality. As a result, you struggle to function, meet responsibilities, and interact with others.
What psychotic symptoms does schizophrenia cause?
During a psychotic episode, you may experience any of the following:
Delusions
A delusion is when you believe something that’s not real. Believing you’re a famous person or that someone controls your mind are two common delusions.
Hallucinations
During a hallucination, you hear, see, taste, smell, or feel something that isn’t real.
Disorganized thoughts and speech
During a psychotic episode, you experience racing, disjoined, chaotic thoughts. Your speech reflects your disorganized thoughts. For example, you may stop talking in the middle of a sentence, say things that don’t make sense, or mix up words.
Disorganized behaviors
Disorganized behaviors cover a range of senseless, repetitive, bizarre, and possibly dangerous actions. For example, you may become aggressive or walk in circles. Alternatively, all movement and speech could stop (catatonia).
What other symptoms does schizophrenia cause?
Beyond psychosis, people with schizophrenia may have signs called negative symptoms, such as:
- Lacking emotions
- Being unable to enjoy activities
- Isolating yourself from others
- Neglecting personal hygiene
You may lose any or all emotions and behaviors that are typical or expected in daily life.
How is schizophrenia diagnosed and treated?
The caring Bellevue Psychiatry team diagnoses schizophrenia by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and learning about your medical and psychiatric history and current symptoms.
If your provider diagnoses you with schizophrenia, they prescribe antipsychotic medications. Medication management is the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment because it reduces psychosis-related symptoms and may stop future psychotic episodes.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is also a vital part of treating schizophrenia. Your Bellevue Psychiatry therapist may teach you to recognize signs of an impending psychotic break and ways to prevent it.
During therapy, you’ll also learn skills that support daily life. For example, you may need to learn how to manage anger, build relationships, or stay employed. Your provider will also help if you have a sleep disorder like insomnia, which can trigger psychosis.
As part of your holistic schizophrenia care, the Bellevue Psychiatry team connects you with community resources offering support for employment, housing, and other essential services.
Get treatment for schizophrenia by calling Bellevue Psychiatry or booking an appointment online today.