What is schizophrenia, and could you or someone you know have it? Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about 1% of the population. The most common symptoms are delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. Schizophrenia can also cause people to have difficulty with thinking, emotions, and social functioning. While schizophrenia is not curable, treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms in many people with schizophrenia. No one type of care or medication works the same for all people with schizophrenia or mental illnesses. Learn how a Washington treatment center for schizophrenia can provide personalized treatment for people struggling with this serious condition.
Bayview Recovery can help determine if you or a loved one has schizophrenia through a thorough assessment with one of our highly qualified mental health professionals. Contact us at 855.478.3650 to schedule an intake assessment so you can get started on the right course of treatment for schizophrenia or another mental health condition. Once we provide an accurate diagnosis, we will design a customized treatment plan to address your mental health needs.
5 Signs of Schizophrenia
Do you think you or someone you love may be showing signs of schizophrenia? A diagnosis of schizophrenia can be unsettling, especially with all the misinformation and stigma you may have encountered. However, people with schizophrenia can continue to lead very productive lives when they receive the proper treatment. The key is to accept one’s diagnosis and commit to following through on treatment.
Here are five signs that you should schedule an assessment for schizophrenia:
1. Hallucinations or delusions
Some of the most concerning schizophrenia signs are hallucinations and delusions. People with schizophrenia may believe they are being followed or watched by others. They may also hear voices that tell them to do things they would never do on their own for fear of what may happen if they don’t obey the voice’s commands. This type of paranoia is common among people with this condition, which can be frightening for both the person with schizophrenia and those close to them.
2. Disorganized speech
People with schizophrenia often have difficulty following conversations and expressing thoughts. They may also struggle with organizing their thoughts in such a way that makes sense to others. This can sometimes lead to them making up words or phrases that are nonexistent or incorrect. At times, it may seem like they are speaking gibberish because they cannot effectively vocalize their thoughts.
3. Diminished feelings of pleasure in everyday life
Schizophrenia can make a person seem unemotional. They may not show much facial expression or may sometimes laugh or cry at inappropriate times. On the outside, they may appear melancholic or disinterested, which may lead to a misdiagnosis of depression.
4. Disrupted cognitive function
People with schizophrenia may experience cognitive problems, such as difficulty concentrating, trouble with decision-making, and challenges with reading comprehension. Memory loss is also a significant concern for those diagnosed with schizophrenia, affecting both short- and long-term memory.
5. Difficulty controlling movements
Some people with schizophrenia may have difficulty walking or moving their arms and legs. In some cases, they may struggle with speaking, chewing, or swallowing properly, increasing the risk of choking. Schizophrenia is also associated with muscle rigidity that can cause a person to move stiffly.
Contact Bayview Recovery When You See Schizophrenia Signs
Being diagnosed with schizophrenia doesn’t mean that you have to feel like a victim of your symptoms. Managing your condition can help you improve the quality of your life. There are treatments available that can help with symptoms and prevent them from getting worse over time. Reach out to Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 to get a proper diagnosis and enroll in our schizophrenia treatment program.
