Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. If you or someone you know has schizophrenia it might seem like a loss of connection with reality.  It can be an incredibly distressing experience, both for the person suffering and those around them. 

In general, someone with schizophrenia will experience a disruption in the ability to differentiate between what is real and what is imagined. Daily activities might be affected and coherent and logical thought processing can become very disjointed. The combination of these symptoms is not only upsetting, but can severely affect daily functioning. 

The causes of schizophrenia aren’t fully understood yet. It’s likely to involve a number of contributing factors such as environment and neurobiology. It’s especially important to emphasise that having schizophrenia isn’t anyone’s fault and there isn’t a specific place, thing or person that’s to blame. Keeping this in mind can really help to reduce the stigma and guilt that is often associated with this condition.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia looks, feels and presents differently for every individual. Not everyone with schizophrenia will behave in the same way and it’s important to know what to look for. Recognising these symptoms can be a vital step towards understanding the challenges schizophrenic people might be facing. Symptoms generally fall into one of four main groups: 

• 1. Hallucinations. People with schizophrenia might see, hear, smell, or feel things that nobody else can. This could show up like hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there,  strange smells or sensations of things crawling on or under the skin. 
• 2. Delusions. These are strongly held beliefs that don’t have a firm basis in reality, will likely seem strange to other people and are easy to disprove. For example, a schizophrenic person might believe that a governmental organisation is looking for them. Or, that they are a religious figure, or have superpowers.
• 3. Incoherent speech. This can include jumping quickly from thought to thought or changing topic halfway through a conversation. Stopping speaking midway through a sentence is common too. Using words that are made up or don’t make sense is also something that can happen with this symptom.
• 4. Negative symptoms. This set of symptoms deals with losing the ability to complete daily tasks. Functions like bathing, socialising and taking care of basic needs might be affected. If you or someone you care about experiences negative symptoms, you might also notice a lack of emotion.

Private Treatment for Schizophrenia in London and UK

The London Psychiatry Clinic offers specialised and compassionate care for those living with schizophrenia. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment. And, our care centres around the unique needs of patients, their loved ones and carers.

Our high standards of care follow the NICE guidelines, ensuring that all interventions and treatment plans are supported by the most up-to-date research and best practices. We understand that everyone’s experience with schizophrenia is unique. We tailor treatments around personal preferences and circumstances, aiming to improve symptoms and feelings of overall well-being.

We understand that it can feel very isolating and confusing if you or a loved one is struggling with schizophrenia. We encourage you to reach out and book a consultation with our expert team, who are right here to guide you through. Early intervention and support can make a real difference in managing this condition effectively.

If you're supporting a loved one with schizophrenia, we also have some compassionate guidance and practical tips in our blog 'How To Help Someone With Schizophrenia: A Guide For Friends & Family'.

Therapy for Schizophrenia

We know how important it is to get the right treatment for schizophrenia. Therapy can offer a lifeline to support and strategies that help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. And, because we understand that going to therapy can make some people feel very apprehensive, we offer online therapy. This means that no matter where you are in the world, you can connect with our experts from the comfort of your own home.

CBT therapy for Schizophrenia

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It’s an evidence-based treatment that helps people to challenge and change thoughts and behaviours that might not be healthy for them. For people with schizophrenia, CBT can often be a helpful process. It can address the distress that hallucinations and delusions might be causing. Our experienced specialists will work with you or your loved one to tailor CBT techniques to specific needs. Our aim is to improve coping strategies and feelings of well-being in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Medication for Schizophrenia

Medication is often a crucial part of the treatment plan for schizophrenia. We understand that some people may feel apprehensive about taking it. Medication can help improve overall functioning and reduce the severity of symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. This can be especially reassuring for anyone struggling to get through day-to-day activities. 

Our medical team is dedicated to helping you find the right medication and dosage with the fewest side effects. Regular monitoring and adjustments will always be part of your treatment plan. Your well-being is our top priority, and we want to ensure the best outcomes for your unique circumstances.

Psychoeducation for Schizophrenia

At The London Psychiatry Clinic, we believe that part of the healing journey involves psychological education (psychoeducation). If you or your loved one is struggling with schizophrenia, understanding it better can be extremely helpful. Understanding helps foster compassionate connections. And, it creates the healthiest support networks, enhancing well-being for all those affected.

Psychoeducation sessions can cover a wide range of topics that include:

• The nature of schizophrenia
• Treatment options
• Coping strategies
• How to support a loved one living with this condition

Find the best kind of treatment for Schizophrenia 

Finding the right support and treatment for schizophrenia is vital. Choosing a pathway is a deeply personal decision and our team of specialists is right here to guide you through the process. By offering expert advice and providing compassionate care, we can help you navigate your treatment options and find the best fit for your personal needs.  

Speak with us today to learn more about how we may be able to support you or your loved one on the journey to managing schizophrenia.