Schizophrenia

Adult and Child Psychiatrist in San Diego, California

Schizophrenia services offered in San Diego, CA

People with schizophrenia can find it impossible to tell their delusions and hallucinations from reality, causing severe distress and frustration. If you have schizophrenia or need a diagnosis, visit skilled psychiatrist Sanjoy Sathpathy, MD, and his team at So Cal Psychiatric Care in San Diego, California.

The team helps guide people with schizophrenia to lead less stressful, more rewarding lives.

Schizophrenia Q&A

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder requiring lifelong treatment. Symptoms typically become apparent in early adulthood, with men developing problems in their early to mid-20s and women in their late 20s. Schizophrenia rarely affects children or begins beyond age 45.

Many people with schizophrenia find everyday life confusing and overwhelming if their condition isn’t well-managed. Neglecting welfare, becoming isolated from family and friends, and feelings of depression and anxiety are all common.

What symptoms does Schizophrenia cause?

People with schizophrenia experience several kinds of symptoms, including:

Delusions

Delusions are ideas and thoughts that seem completely real to you, but they’re not. For example, you might believe that someone is watching you (paranoia). Or, you might be sure that some tragedy is about to occur, yet nothing does.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are visual and audible experiences, but like delusions, they aren’t real. You might see or hear things no one else can. For example, you may carry on a conversation with people you can see or hear (who aren’t really there). These hallucinations can be so powerful and realistic that you can’t believe they’re in your mind.

Abnormal behavior

Abnormal behaviors could be anything that’s out of the ordinary and surprises people. Common schizophrenic behaviors include making odd physical movements and staying in unusual positions, as well as not reacting to things in your environment in the way others would.

Disorganized thinking

Being unable to organize your thoughts can be scary and frustrating. It makes it hard to communicate because you may do things like answer questions in a way that makes no sense.

Schizophrenia symptoms sometimes improve and then worsen again. Some people suffer severe delusions or hallucinations, while others have more issues with disordered thoughts and behaviors. As with other psychiatric disorders, everyone’s experience of schizophrenia is unique.

How is schizophrenia treated?

People with schizophrenia require expert assessment and support. The So Cal Psychiatric Care team has extensive experience in helping people with schizophrenia, often working with other professionals like social workers to provide the best care.

As schizophrenia is incurable, the So Cal Psychiatric Care team focuses on helping you manage your condition. Successfully reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia may involve taking antipsychotic medications that affect the neurotransmitters in your brain. Other medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can also help.

If you’re concerned about schizophrenia symptoms, call So Cal Psychiatric Care or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.