Schizophrenia is a serious and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves.
People with schizophrenia may experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and impaired cognitive ability. They may hear voices or see things that aren't there. They may believe that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts or plotting to harm them. These behaviors can be scary and upsetting to people with the illness and make them withdrawn or extremely agitated. It can also be scary and upsetting to the people around them.
People with schizophrenia may sometimes talk about strange or unusual ideas, which can make it difficult to carry on a conversation. They may sit for hours without talking or moving. Sometimes people with schizophrenia seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are thinking.
People with schizophrenia may cope with symptoms throughout their lives, but treatment helps many to recover sufficiently and pursue life goals. Researchers are using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and develop more effective treatments.
For more information on schizophrenia, please refer to our brochure, linked below. If you or a loved one suffer from this disorder, or suspect that someone is suffering, please contact Wesley Counseling today. Dr. Wesley is ready and willing to guide you through this difficult diagnosis and help you live your life more fully and obtain goals important to you.