Schizophrenia is a mental condition that can have a significant impact on the individual’s personal life, relationships and career. When someone has this condition, they may experience different positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. By looking at the individual’s overall symptoms, doctors can diagnose the kind of mental disorder they have and choose the right treatment plan for it.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental condition that doctors commonly diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30. While it is more common in men than women, it can occur in both genders. Men are more likely to develop the condition earlier in life than women.
There are positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. When someone has positive symptoms, it means there is a presence of symptoms that humans do not normally have. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve the absence of normal thoughts, feelings and actions. No one has all of the symptoms of schizophrenia at any point in time. In addition, many symptoms will come and go over days, months or years.
What Are the Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Positive symptoms tend to include things like hallucinations, disorganized thinking, delusions and mental confusion. Meanwhile, negative symptoms involve a lack of normal mental function. This may relate to a problem with the individual’s actions, thoughts and perceptions.
The individual may have trouble with their speech. They may talk less often or no longer show their feelings. He or she may also have a lack of pleasure or enjoyment.
Often, the individual will withdraw from their family and friends. They may seem like a hermit and be extremely apathetic. Many clients have a flattening of their voice and demeanor. This means that they have a lack of emotions, which can involve things like speaking in a monotone or showing a lack of enthusiasm.
Many people with schizophrenia struggle with day-to-day life. They may have poor grooming habits or an inability to follow through on their plans. Since depression is also a potential cause of some of these symptoms, it is important to get a professional diagnosis. Once the individual has a diagnosis, they can figure out the best steps for treating their disorder.
Discovering the Start to a Better Life
In the right Texas mental health treatment center, clients can learn more about how to treat their symptoms. An initial evaluation helps the treatment center discover more information about the client and their unique needs. Then, the client can get a diagnosis and begin their treatment.
At the treatment center, clients can find support through options such as:
- Individualized treatment therapy
- Social activities
- Educational programs
- Trauma and individual therapy program
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
No one has to put up with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia on their own. Whether you suffer from a mental illness or a substance abuse problem, the Santé Center for Healing is here to help. We have years of experience in treating a wide variety of problems within our research-based programs. Discover more information about everything we have to offer by calling us today at 866.238.3154.