Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. People with schizophrenia often experience distortion of reality which ultimately leads to delusions and hallucinations. Affecting only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is considered a rare mental illness. People with schizophrenia may hear voices (auditory hallucinations) that result in extreme distress to the individual and the family. 

Effective treatment options are available for schizophrenia care and treatment. Treatment primarily focuses on eliminating the symptoms of schizophrenia and therapy for schizophrenia. Cadabams Hospital offers various types of psychotherapy for schizophrenia and formulates personalized treatment plans that work best for you or your loved one. 

Talk to our psychiatrists and psychologists to draw up a treatment plan that works best for you.

Types of Schizophrenia

The different types of schizophrenia help schizophrenia psychiatrists chart out a thorough schizophrenia care plan personalised for each individual taking into account the varying severity of the illness. The different types of schizophrenia are-  

Paranoid schizophrenia-

‘Paranoia’ is determined as a positive symptom of schizophrenia mental disorder. Paranoid schizophrenia showcases marked symptoms of paranoia, delusion, hallucination, flat affect, behavioural impairment and disorganised speech. It is the most common type of schizophrenia.

Hebephrenic schizophrenia-

This type of schizophrenia does not show symptoms of hallucination or delusion but only exhibit symptoms like disorganised speech and behavioural impairment.  

Catatonic schizophrenia- 

Catatonic schizophrenia presents itself as immobility. People diagnosed with this type of schizophrenia exhibit signs of autism or they develop a stupor-like condition.  

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

In most cases, schizophrenia mental disorder starts during the late teenage years or early 20s in both men and women. Schizophrenia mental disorder can be characterized by episodes in which a person is unfit to distinguish between real and unreal experiences. Symptoms of schizophrenia can be classified into three categories

Positive Symptoms- 

• Hallucinations – People with schizophrenia often have experiences that appear real but are actually figments of their imagination. They see, hear and smell things that people around them do not experience. 
• Delusions – Delusions are firm beliefs that are not based on facts or evidence. A person suffering from schizophrenia might think that their brain is controlled by someone else or that they are some famous historical figure, etc.
• Thought Disorders – They are unusual ways of thinking, disorganised speech and processing information in an abnormal pattern. 
• Movement Disorders – A person with schizophrenia may repeat certain motions over and over like agitated body movement, constant twitching, and unstable body postures.

Negative Symptoms-

• Lack of motivation – lack of energy or interest in doing anything
• Blunt feelings – inability to express emotions/feelings 
• Social withdrawal – limited or no interaction with family, friends or strangers 
• Disorganized thinking or speech – Speak gibberish with disconnected sentences or switching topics repeatedly 
• Trouble controlling impulses - Unable to control irrational thoughts leading to rash decisions 
• Difficulty following through with plans and completing normal everyday activities

Cognitive Symptoms-

• Difficulty in concentrating and paying attention
• Trouble remembering things

• Poor decision-making skills and the lack of ability to understand and process information
• Lack of insight or the individual suffering from schizophrenia being unaware of their health situation

Symptoms of schizophrenia are difficult to identify but subtle signs like troubled relationships, poor performance in school/college and lack of motivation and excitement can be present. Early detection and diagnosis can be helpful in schizophrenia care and schizophrenia treatment. 

Effects of Schizophrenia 

Schizophrenia mental disorder not only impacts the individual suffering from schizophrenia but also affects their family members and caregivers. Schizophrenia lowers an individual’s quality of life by affecting their social relationships and family peace. Timely and effective family interventions and family support groups are needed to help families cope with their loved ones’ treatment and recovery process. Caregivers and families play a huge role in helping the afflicted seek timely treatment and preventing relapses. 

Effects of schizophrenia on self-

Schizophrenia mental disorder can lead to severe health issues that can affect all areas of an individual’s life. Some of these complications or effects are-

• Recurring thoughts of suicide or attempts to suicide
• Development of severe anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and depression
• Difficulty to perform daily life activities
• Substance abuse
• Social withdrawal or social isolation
• Homelessness or legal financial problems
• Individual becomes victimised
• Aggressive behaviour
• Feelings of constant restlessness, nausea, seizures
• Weight gain and associated sexual problems
• Blurred vision, low blood pressure

Effects of schizophrenia on family-

Schizophrenia has been known to affect family dynamics and damage relationships.  Families of people with schizophrenia find it hard to nurture their social relationships due to multiple stressors and financial restraints. They often isolate themselves from the extended family members or society due to the stigma associated with schizophrenia mental disorder. The quality of life too increases and they become more prone to developing mental illnesses.

Causes/ Risk Factors of Schizophrenia

The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown but there are several factors that contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia mental disorder. 

Biological factors: 

• One of the causes of schizophrenia might be the difference in the brain structure, its functioning or any kind of chemical deformity in the brain. 
• People with a family history of schizophrenia mental disorder are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. 
• Modifications to the brain that usually occurs during puberty may trigger psychotic episodes in people who are vulnerable to developing schizophrenia due to genetics, and environmental factors. 

Environmental factors: 

• Factors like living in stressful conditions for a long period of time 
• Being exposed to mind-altering drugs (psychotic drugs) 
• Having inflammatory disorder or autoimmune diseases
• Exposure to toxins or harmful chemicals during infancy or in the fetal stage can contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life

Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of symptoms of schizophrenia improves the chances of managing the illness and proper schizophrenia care. Diagnosing schizophrenia involves multiple steps. It is important to understand the varying severity of the symptoms in different individuals and carefully chart out a customised schizophrenia treatment and schizophrenia care plan. An evidence-based, well-rounded diagnostic procedure ensures that all aspects of schizophrenia care plan can be successfully managed.  

Diagnostic Procedure- 

The first appointment with a mental health professional like a schizophrenia counsellor or schizophrenia psychiatrist includes a thorough evaluation of the medical history and family history of persons showing symptoms of schizophrenia.  Blood tests, physical examination and imaging tests like Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are prescribed. Certain psychometric tests are also essential to establish and confirm the diagnosis. 

Psychometric Assessments

Since there is no determined cause of schizophrenia mental disorder, psychiatrists and psychologists conduct multiple clinical assessments that can suffice for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. At Cadabams, our multi-facilitated team of experts follow a clinically proven and structured process of psychometric tests and exams to determine the symptoms, severity and causes of schizophrenia. 

Schizophrenia care plan

Schizophrenia mental disorder is not curable but is treatable. With the right schizophrenia treatment plan, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be managed. Schizophrenia care has to cater to the different needs of both the patient and the caregiver. At Cadabams, we ensure that the various aspects of schizophrenia are addressed and acknowledged with proper treatment options and community support. 

Psychotherapy

Our multi-disciplinary team of experts focus on building a tailored therapy for schizophrenia with a primary focus on managing emotional and behavioural issues and psychosocial rehabilitation.

• Individual psychotherapy- 

It assists in making the individual suffering from schizophrenia understand their symptoms to help them deal with their behaviours and thought patterns. It teaches them to cope with stress and anxiety caused by their illness to manage their everyday life.    

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)- 

CBT can help in altering the thought process and behaviour of the person suffering from schizophrenia to more positive thinking and appropriate behaviour. A schizophrenia counsellor will help them deal with hallucinations and other symptoms causing them distress.   

• Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET)- 

CET applies a combination of computer-based brain training and group sessions to teach individuals with schizophrenia how to better recognise social cues, triggers causing them distress and helps in improving their memory and attention. It helps them organise their thoughts and increase awareness about their symptoms of schizophrenia. 

Medication options in a Schizophrenia care plan- Pharmacotherapy

Our schizophrenia care plan boasts a strong medication management to slow down the symptoms of schizophrenia like hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotic drugs are mainly used to minimise the severity of schizophrenia episodes.

Doctors at Cadabams- including the psychiatrist and physicians- provide necessary medication management to increase the functioning of the person suffering from schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia and ECT

In severe cases of schizophrenia where individuals suffering from schizophrenia do not react well to medication or psychosocial intervention, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is offered. ECT helps in regulation of certain neurotransmitters that can help ease symptoms of schizophrenia like hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking. The recommendation for ECT is strictly as per the advice of treating Psychiatrist. 

Community and Home Mental Healthcare

Bringing treatment to your doorstep. 

If you cannot visit us for your treatment, we will bring the treatment to your house. We offer comprehensive treatment plans from the comfort of your home. 

• Home visit by a multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and nurses to get to know the individual.
• Clinical assessments accepted worldwide are used to determine the type and severity of illness after consulting the family. 
• Customised care plans are laid out focusing on long-term recovery. Physiotherapy, and fitness programs are provided based on need.    
• Supportive services for caregivers are a priority for us at Cadabams. We offer therapies and interventions to ensure the well-being of caregivers.

Reach out to our expert professionals for a tailored home care plan.

Talk to us now!

Schizophrenia recovery with Treatment plans: Overcoming Schizophrenia  

Road to Recovery

Overcoming schizophrenia can be extremely challenging because schizophrenia is an illness that changes the brain's neurochemistry. But with our holistic, evidence-based schizophrenia care plan, we acknowledge and address all aspects of schizophrenia mental disorder. Our psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy, family therapy, individual therapy, social skills and vocational training and supported employment and rehabilitation are renowned and recognised.

Our team of experts - schizophrenia psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, therapists and counsellors - work with the individual with schizophrenia and their loved ones to properly battle schizophrenia and its recurring episodes. We work tirelessly for a long-term recovery plan. 

Family Therapy and Caregiver Support

Conflicts or unhealthy relationships in the family can increase the chances of developing schizophrenia. If these issues are not dealt with, there could be a reduction in chances of schizophrenia recovery. Our expert schizophrenia counsellors address any conflicts in the family and promote the well-being of all the individuals involved while facilitating schizophrenia recovery. Caring for people with schizophrenia can be frustrating and tiring. We offer family therapy for schizophrenia and caregiver support to keep caregivers and the family content and aware so they can be the companion their loved one needs. 

Crisis Management

Relapses into acute psychotic episodes can occur as a part of schizophrenia recovery. We work in close contact with all stakeholders involved in the case of an emergency. Our specialised crisis intervention team is trained to de-escalate tension and extend all necessary support for you and your loved one’s safety.

Community and Home Mental Health Care

Your long-term recovery is our priority. With our comprehensive schizophrenia counselling, we are involved in every step of the way. We offer personalised Post-Diagnostic Support for schizophrenia to ensure that the patient and the family are satisfied and healthy. We understand that schizophrenia affects everybody. Guaranteeing a healthy support system for caregivers and providing caregiver therapy for schizophrenia is of prime importance to us.

Our treatment does not end with discharge. Through our Post-treatment Care services and Home Mental Healthcare, we ensure that you continue treading the road to recovery. 

Call 9741476476 for comprehensive screening by our qualified team, do save this number for any crisis or assistance.

Understanding Schizophrenia: Hear from our Experts 

Living with Schizophrenia: Recovery stories (videos)

Why Cadabams?

We use our 28+ years of expertise to ensure that you get the treatment you need and deserve. Our multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, physicians with two decades of experience, work round the clock and are with you every step of your schizophrenia treatment journey. We offer world-class evidence-based treatment that is fit for all stages and all types of schizophrenia.

Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced professionals and strong community support ensures steady treatment and recovery. As pioneers in private behavioural health services, we pride ourselves on our renowned psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, neurofeedback and community-based treatment.      

With our supported employment, vocational training and rehabilitation programs, we are involved throughout the recovery journey of you or your loved one. We offer personalised Post-Diagnostic Support to familiarise the patient and the family with schizophrenia mental disorder and schizophrenia care.

Our treatment does not end with discharge. Through our Post-treatment Care services, we ensure that you or your loved one continue on the road to recovery. At Cadabams, we care for you.