Schizophrenia
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects perception, thinking, emotions, and behavior. People with schizophrenia may experience changes in how they interpret reality, process information, and connect with others. It is not caused by weakness, poor character, or personal failure — it is a real medical and neurological condition.
Biologically, schizophrenia involves differences in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate, as well as changes in the brain circuits responsible for thought organization, motivation, and sensory interpretation. Genetics, trauma, stress, and developmental factors may also contribute.
Psychologically, the condition can affect how a person makes sense of internal and external experiences. Thoughts may feel jumbled, overwhelming, or influenced by outside forces. People may struggle to trust their own perception or feel disconnected from others. Many experience shame, confusion, or fear of being misunderstood, which can make seeking help difficult.
With the right treatment and support, many people with schizophrenia can live meaningful, stable, fulfilling lives.
What Are the Symptoms?
Schizophrenia symptoms are often grouped into positive, negative, and cognitive categories.
Positive Symptoms
(Experiences that are in addition to how the brain usually functions)
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​Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not)
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Delusions (firm beliefs that do not align with reality)
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Disorganized or illogical speech
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Confusion or unusual behaviors
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Paranoia or fear of harm
Negative Symptoms
(Reductions in normal emotional or behavioral functioning)
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​Flat or reduced emotional expression
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Limited speech or difficulty engaging in conversation
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Loss of interest or motivation
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Social withdrawal or isolation
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Difficulty completing daily tasks
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Feeling “empty” or disconnected
Cognitive Symptoms
(Difficulties with thinking and processing)
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​Trouble concentrating
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Memory challenges
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Difficulty with organization or decision-making​
Symptoms can come and go, and not everyone experiences them in the same way.
How Is Schizophrenia Treated?
Schizophrenia is highly treatable, and the most effective care is personalized to each individual. Treatment may include:
Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Supportive therapy
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Skills training, coping strategies, and grounding techniques
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Understanding symptoms and building insight
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Help with routines, planning, and social connection
Medication
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Antipsychotic medications can reduce hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and disorganized thinking
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Mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be added in some cases
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Medication helps the brain process information more clearly and calmly
Lifestyle & Support
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Regular sleep and daily routines
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Stress management
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Social and family support when helpful
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Coordination with primary care, case management, or community resources​
Advanced Treatment Options
For individuals with severe or treatment-resistant symptoms:
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Long-acting injectable medications
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Clozapine in certain cases
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TMS or emerging treatments when appropriate​
No single approach works for everyone, which is why individualized care is essential.
How We Can Help at Better Balance Mental Health
We understand that schizophrenia can feel overwhelming — not just for patients, but for families as well. Many people with schizophrenia have been judged, misunderstood, or dismissed in the past. Here, you are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
We take time to learn your symptoms, your challenges, and your goals. We listen without judgment and work together on a plan that feels safe, realistic, and supportive. We explain treatment options clearly, answer every question, and never force or pressure medication decisions.
Some people benefit from therapy alone, others from medication, and many from a combination but every plan is built collaboratively with you. Our goal is to help improve clarity of thought, emotional balance, daily functioning, and quality of life.
You deserve stability, safety, and support and you don’t have to do this alone. We are here to help every step of the way.