Schizophrenia
Mental Health Care in Wilmington, DE
About 1 in 300 people around the world live with schizophrenia. This condition can dramatically reduce quality of life when left unmanaged. At Integrated Health & Wellness Services in Wilmington, Delaware, Vida Adansi, LCP, Adekunle Gbadamosi, MD, and the team diagnose and treat schizophrenia to manage symptoms. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Integrated Health & Wellness Services by calling the office or booking one online today.
Schizophrenia FAQ's
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, behave, and think. It’s characterized by delusions (false sense of reality), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), or similar symptoms.
Left untreated, schizophrenia may significantly interfere with relationships, the ability to get or maintain a job, and overall well-being.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Examples of schizophrenia symptoms can include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized behavior or thoughts
- Loss of touch with reality
- Unorganized speech
- Disorganization
- Unusual movements
- Childlike silliness
- Agitation
- Acting inappropriately in social settings
- Poor eye contact
- Lack of emotion
- Poor personal hygiene
- Social withdrawal
- Poor planning
- Speaking in a monotone voice
- Poor school or work performance\
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of motivation
- Irritability
- Depression
Symptoms of schizophrenia vary based on the severity of the condition and whether it’s being managed.
What are the risk factors for schizophrenia?
The cause isn’t fully understood, but schizophrenia risk factors may include:
- Family history of mental health disorders
- Genetics
- Brain chemistry changes
- Ongoing stress
- Trauma
- Living in poverty
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy
- Low birth weight
- Environmental toxins
- Taking mind-altering drugs
Schizophrenia might be linked to anxiety disorders, depression, substance misuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or similar mental health conditions.
How is schizophrenia diagnosed?
Your mental health specialist at Integrated Health & Wellness Services completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria to determine whether you have schizophrenia or another mental health disorder.
They discuss your moods, behaviors, emotions, thoughts, and symptoms, as well as your lifestyle and current medications.
Integrated Health & Wellness Services also offers DNA testing to learn which medications may be the most effective based on your genetic makeup.
How is schizophrenia treated?
Your individualized schizophrenia treatment plan could include:
- Medication management
- Psychotherapy
- Individual therapy
- Counseling
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Social skills training
- Lifestyle modifications
- Treatment for substance misuse
- Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
The Integrated Health & Wellness Services team can refer you or a loved one to community support services when appropriate. Your mental health provider follows up to ensure your treatment is effective.
Schedule an in-office or virtual schizophrenia evaluation at Integrated Health & Wellness Services by calling the office or using the online scheduler today.