Schizophrenia

Living with a serious mental health condition can make daily life confusing and overwhelming, whether you’re experiencing it yourself or supporting a loved one who is struggling. At Nexa Psychiatry & Wellness in Austin, Texas, Emma Smith, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and Chad Johnson, APRN, PMHNP-BC, provide compassionate, evidence-based care for people living with schizophrenia. Through thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans, the team focuses on managing symptoms, improving daily functioning, and helping patients build greater stability and quality of life. Learn more by calling or scheduling an appointment online today.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and experiences reality. People living with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what’s real and what’s not, which can impact relationships, work, and daily functioning. 

Although often misunderstood, schizophrenia is a medical condition that requires proper care and treatment. Symptoms typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, but the condition can develop at varying times for different individuals. 

Nexa Psychiatry & Wellness provides excellent treatment and support, helping many individuals with schizophrenia manage their symptoms and live meaningful, productive lives.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia symptoms generally fall into three categories: 

1. Positive symptoms

These involve changes in perception or thinking, such as:

• Hallucinations, including hearing voices
• Delusions, or strongly held false beliefs
• Disorganized thinking or speech

2. Negative symptoms 

These affect emotions and behavior and may include:

• Reduced motivation
• Social withdrawal
• Limited emotional expression
• Difficulty enjoying activities

3. Cognitive symptoms 

These affect thinking and memory. Some people may struggle with concentration, decision-making, or remembering information. 

The severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

What causes schizophrenia?

There’s no single known cause of schizophrenia. Instead, experts believe it develops from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. 

People who have a family history of schizophrenia may have a higher risk, but genetics alone don’t determine whether someone will develop the condition.

Changes in brain chemistry and structure may also play a role. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate may function differently in people with schizophrenia. 

In addition, certain environmental stressors, such as trauma, substance use, or significant life stress, may contribute to the development or worsening of symptoms in some individuals.

How is schizophrenia treated?

At Nexa Psychiatry & Wellness, treatment for schizophrenia typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and ongoing support. The providers commonly use antipsychotic medications to help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms by balancing brain chemistry.

In addition to medication management, therapy can help patients develop coping strategies, advance communication skills, and reinforce daily functioning. Support services, lifestyle changes, and consistent follow-up care also build long-term stability.

If you or someone you love has schizophrenia symptoms, the Nexa Psychiatry & Wellness team can help. Contact the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about personalized care and treatment options.