Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by unusual thoughts, paranoia, hallucinations, and unusual bodily movements. Scientists believe that the disorder is caused by issues with the neurotransmitters in the brain, and that there is a genetic component involved, meaning that schizophrenia can be passed down through various generations. Unlike schizophreniform disorder, the hallucinations and other symptoms are present for more than 6 months without lessening, although medications and therapies can provide some relief with symptoms.

Symptoms & signs of schizophrenia include:

• Trouble focusing and paying attention
• Showing little to no emotion
• Speaking in a monotone, non-emotional voice
• Making repetitive motions
• Having delusions and/or hallucinations (psychotic episodes)
• Showing signs of disorganized thinking
• Paranoia

When is it time to get help?

If you have not been diagnosed but suspect that you may be schizophrenic because you are exhibiting symptoms listed above, it is recommended that you seek help. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, then you may notice mood changes or bizarre behaviour which could mean that medication is being missed and/or a psychotic episode may be imminent. If you or your loved one is talking about harming themselves, this is an emergency.

If you, or someone you know is considering suicide, and is in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room.

For immediate help outside of our office hours, throughout Alberta, please call 211 or one of the following distress lines:

• Edmonton: The Crisis Centre call 780 482 HELP (4357)
• Greater Edmonton region: Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288.
• Calgary: 403 266 HELP (4357)

Schizophrenia treatment methods

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be treated in several different ways, including medication, as well as with:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages clients to accept the difficulties and misfortunes of life. Clients learn coping techniques to not dwell on negative emotions by staying in the present.
• Psychotherapy is a broad term that encompasses numerous styles of therapy and uses verbal or nonverbal communication with a client to help treat psychiatric problems, behavioral issues, personality disorders, and various other types of emotional distress. This form of personal counselling is based on an interpersonal relationship, as opposed to the alternative chemical or physical forms of therapy.
• Behavioural therapy tends to view human beings and behaviour with the assumption that humans are a product of their sociocultural conditioning and environment, looking at the current problems and the factors influencing them and emphasizes behaviour changes more than the underlying unconscious processes.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Couples counselling Couples are always growing and changing and can face an increasing or evolving number of challenges in their relationship. Counselling can help if you’re feeling unhappy in your relationship, would like to overcome a specific issue or problematic pattern, or if you’re interested in improving your relationship.
• Strategic family therapy is a type of therapy where the therapist is a problem-solver and focuses on finding solutions to client’s challenges.
• Structural family therapy involves looking at the structures within the family unit. Changing the underlying structure tends to cause a ripple effect on the family. This therapy analyzes the hierarchical structure, subsystems, and boundaries within the family.
• Insight can also work in consultation with a psychiatrist.

The best methods of treatment will be decided after a thorough assessment has been completed. Your therapist can recommend treatments that are suitable for your individual circumstances and personality.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

Although a diagnosis of schizophrenia can feel devastating, it is possible for you to lead a full and productive life. You can learn to manage your symptoms and find strategies to make the symptoms of schizophrenia less disruptive. If you or a loved one have the indicators of schizophrenia, please do not wait to get help. Call Insight Psychological today.