What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can cause significant distress for individuals, their families, and friends.

Common Symptoms

• Positive Symptoms (Psychotic Symptoms):

  • Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)

  • Delusions (fixed, false beliefs)

  • Disorganized thinking and speech

• Negative Symptoms:

  • Reduced emotional expression (flat affect)

  • Social withdrawal and lack of motivation

  • Difficulty initiating and sustaining activities

• Cognitive Symptoms:

  • Impaired attention and concentration

  • Memory deficits

  • Poor executive functioning (planning, decision-making)

Causes & Risk Factors

• Genetics: Family history of schizophrenia increases risk.

• Brain Structure & Neurochemistry: Imbalances in dopamine and glutamate systems; structural differences observed on imaging.

• Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposures (e.g., infections, malnutrition), stressful life events, cannabis use in adolescence.

• Developmental Factors: Complications during birth or early childhood trauma.

Diagnosis & Assessment

A thorough assessment by a qualified provider typically includes:

1. Clinical Interview: Detailed history of symptoms, duration (at least six months), and functional impact.

2. Mental Status Examination: Observation of appearance, behavior, thought processes, mood, and cognition.

3. Rating Scales: Tools such as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

4. Medical Evaluation: Rule out medical or substance-related causes (e.g., labs, toxicology screen).

5. Collateral Information: Input from family or close contacts to confirm symptom patterns.

Treatment & Management

1. Medication

   • Antipsychotics (First- and Second-Generation):

     • First-generation: haloperidol, chlorpromazine

     • Second-generation: risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole

   • Adjunctive Medications: Mood stabilizers or antidepressants if needed

2. Psychosocial Interventions

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp): Addresses distressing thoughts and reality testing.

   • Social Skills Training: Enhances interpersonal functioning and daily living skills.

   • Family Psychoeducation: Educates and supports family members to reduce relapse.

3. Rehabilitation & Support

   • Supported Employment and Education: Assistance returning to work or school.

   • Case Management: Coordination of medical, social, and housing services.

   • Peer Support Programs: Connection with others who have lived experience.

4. Lifestyle & Self-Help

   • Regular routine, sleep, and nutrition

   • Stress-management techniques (relaxation, mindfulness)

   • Avoidance of alcohol and illicit substances

Helpful Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Schizophrenia
  https://www.nami.org/Schizophrenia

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Schizophrenia
  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia

• Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)
  https://sardaa.org/

• Schizophrenia Society of Canada
  https://www.schizophrenia.ca/

Book an Appointment

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