Schizophrenia and other schizophrenia spectrum related disorders
What is schizophrenia and other schizophrenia spectrum related disorders?
Per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) schizophrenia is a mental illness that manifests with symptoms of:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Negative symptoms
- Difficulties with speech and forming concise thoughts
- Negative symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms can impact how one lives their life and, depending on the severity of the illness, affect their level of independence.
Other schizophrenia spectrum disorders include:
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Brief Psychotic disorder
- Unspecified/other specified schizophrenia
What are signs of schizophrenia or other schizophrenia spectrum related disorders?
Symptoms can vary from person-to-person, i.e. one individual having more profound hallucinations and the other having stronger delusional beliefs. See below for a list of specific symptoms that may occur:
Positive symptoms include:
- Auditory hallucinations
- Visual hallucinations
- Olfactory hallucinations
- Tactile hallucinations
- Delusional thoughts
Negative symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Isolation
- Decrease in affect expression
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of interaction with others
Negative effects of schizophrenia and other schizophrenia spectrum related disorders:
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- Relationships – paranoia can result in difficulties with trust; hallucinations can interfere with the quality of connection between people; challenges leaving their home can make maintaining relationships difficult.
- Work – difficulties with leaving their home can interfere with punctuality and lead to job loss and loss of income.
- Social – hallucinations can interfere with initiating and maintaining relationships in life
- Functioning – sometimes people with schizophrenia have challenges taking care of daily hygiene and keeping their home clean
What are the Risk factors for schizophrenia disorders?
There are multiple factors impacting the onset of schizophrenia and other schizophrenia spectrum related disorders in one’s life. These include the following”
- Genetics/heredity
- Environmental factors
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Substance use
What treatment is available for schizophrenia and these related disorders?
Treatment for schizophrenia and related disorders will involve some aspect of antipsychotic treatment to target and lessen symptom presentation. Psychotherapy can be beneficial for a person living with schizophrenia as it can target themes of symptoms and work to increase a person’s response to their symptoms versus reactivity. Therapy can incorporate mindfulness skills and help to create structure in one’s life so that the person can thrive in their recovery process. Current therapy modalities that are beneficial for schizophrenia and related disorders include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
It is important to note that stress can make mental health symptoms worse. Practicing self-care may be beneficial in decreasing symptom intensity and showing yourself self-compassion.
How are schizophrenia and related disorders diagnosed?
Schizophrenia and other schizophrenia spectrum related disorders are diagnosed by a trained mental health provider (therapist or doctor). Once the therapist has collected enough data to make a diagnosis the results are usually shared with the person seeking support.
What to do now?
Treatment is your choice. Living with schizophrenia and related illnesses can be challenging and exhausting. You don’t have to do it alone. Our trained mental health therapists can provide effective psychotherapy via telehealth or in-person to relieve your symptoms and increase your functioning. Call now or submit a form here to take the next step and begin your healing process.
Supporting Your Loved One Through Schizophrenia
When someone you care about is living with schizophrenia, your role in their life is incredibly important. Learning how to support them—while also caring for your own wellbeing—is a key part of recovery. Family psychoeducation, open communication, and involvement in the treatment process can all help foster stability and connection.
Why Choose Revitalize Mental Health
At Revitalize Mental Health, you receive care that is patient-centered, respectful, and grounded in current research. The team understands how overwhelming schizophrenia can be—for both you and your loved ones—and provides a supportive space where your voice matters.
You’ll benefit from:
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Experienced, licensed mental health professionals
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Customized treatment plans
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A compassionate, nonjudgmental environment
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Ongoing support for families and caregivers
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A strong focus on whole-person wellness
Your healing and recovery matter, and you’re never alone in this journey.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
You deserve effective, compassionate care for schizophrenia. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, Revitalize Mental Health in Kenosha, WI is here to support your journey. Call 720.850.8830 to schedule an appointment and begin a personalized path to recovery.
FAQs
How do I know if it’s schizophrenia or another mental health condition?
Symptoms of schizophrenia often overlap with other conditions like bipolar disorder or severe depression. A licensed mental health provider can conduct a detailed evaluation to make an accurate diagnosis.
What should I do in a crisis situation related to schizophrenia symptoms?
If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also reach out to a mental health professional for urgent support.
What should I do if someone I know is experiencing hallucinations or delusions?
Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Offer reassurance, encourage them to talk to a professional, and seek help yourself if you're unsure how to respond.
Can stress or trauma trigger schizophrenia?
While stress and trauma don’t directly cause schizophrenia, they can contribute to the onset or worsening of symptoms in people who are already vulnerable.
How can family members support a loved one with schizophrenia?
Support can include attending therapy sessions, learning about the condition, promoting medication adherence, and creating a stable environment.
How is schizophrenia diagnosed, and what does that process look like?
Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment by a mental health professional, including a review of symptoms, medical history, and sometimes lab tests to rule out other causes.
What are early signs I or a loved one might be developing schizophrenia?
Early signs may include social withdrawal, trouble thinking clearly, flat affect, paranoia, or unusual beliefs. If these symptoms appear, it’s important to seek evaluation early.
Can someone with schizophrenia live a normal life?
Yes. With consistent treatment, support, and self-care, many people with schizophrenia lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.
What’s the role of medication vs. therapy in treatment?
Medication helps reduce symptom intensity, while therapy supports daily functioning, emotional processing, and personal goals. Together, they provide a well-rounded treatment plan.
