If you or a family member hears voices or has problems with relationships and self-care, schizophrenia might be to blame. At Axis Psychiatry in Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified adult psychiatrist Uzma Zafar, MD, and her team offer schizophrenia medications and psychotherapy to improve symptoms and your quality of life. Call the office today or book an appointment online for help with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a mental health problem in which you might hear voices that aren’t there. You may think other people are trying to hurt you or not make sense when you speak. People with schizophrenia often have problems with interpersonal relationships, taking care of themselves, or holding down a job. Treatment can help you or a loved one thrive in their environment.
Common symptoms of schizophrenia, which typically starts between age 16 and 30, include:
Complications associated with schizophrenia include suicide, anxiety disorders, depression, alcohol misuse, nicotine or drug use, social problems, homelessness, and being victimized, as well as the inability to hold a job, attend school, or financially support yourself.
The cause of schizophrenia isn’t clear, but your environment, genes, and brain chemistry may play a role in its development. Risk factors include:
Seeking treatment at the first sign of schizophrenia can maximize the quality of life for you or a loved one and prevent serious psychosocial complications.
Dr. Zafar and her team diagnose schizophrenia after reviewing your medical history and symptoms. She performs a physical exam, reviews your family history for mental health disorders, and completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Zafar might recommend drug or alcohol screenings, MRIs, CT scans, or other forms of diagnostic testing.
To treat schizophrenia, the Axis Psychiatry team might recommend one or more of the following:
Taking certain medications helps control schizophrenia symptoms. Dr. Zafar works with you to find a medication regimen that’s right for you.
Some antipsychotic medicines are available as injections. Dr. Zafar might recommend them every two to four weeks to reduce unpleasant symptoms.
The Axis Psychiatry team takes a biopsychosocial, interdisciplinary approach to schizophrenia treatment, examining the connection between psychology, biology, and social aspects of the disease. They offer individual therapy, family therapy, and social skills training.
If you or a loved one require daily living support, the Axis Psychiatry team can refer out to community mental health programs that provide self-help groups, housing, and employment assistance.
Don’t let you or a loved one have untreated schizophrenia. Schedule an appointment with Axis Psychiatry over the phone or online today.