Schizophrenia
General Psychiatrist located in Miledgeville and Macon, GA
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Schizophrenia services offered in Miledgeville and Macon, GA
Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition defined by periods of psychosis, making it the most severe and challenging mental health disorder you can have. With the skilled care of Ronnie Blount, MD, in Milledgeville and Macon, Georgia, you can get the anti-psychotic medication, therapy, and support you need to put psychosis into remission and build a fulfilling life. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.
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Schizophrenia Q& A
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a rare but serious and lifelong brain disorder that causes psychotic episodes. Some people have a few episodes over their lifetime; others struggle with psychosis that occurs frequently.
Psychosis refers to when you don’t know the difference between what’s real and your hallucinations and delusions. During psychotic episodes, you have irrational thoughts and unusual behaviors that prevent you from functioning in daily life, even to the extreme of not taking care of yourself.
What are the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia?
During active psychosis, you experience one or more of the following:
Delusions
Delusions refer to believing something that’s not grounded in the real world. For example, you may believe you’re a famous person or that your thoughts are being controlled by someone.
Hallucinations
When you have hallucinations, you experience something that isn’t real. You may see, smell, hear, feel, or taste something that you believe is real but doesn’t exist.
Disorganized thoughts and speech
Schizophrenia disrupts your ability to keep your thoughts organized and logical. Instead, they ramble through your head in an illogical and disjointed manner. Many people also have a weak memory.
The way you talk reflects your disorganized thoughts. You may jumble your words, say things that don’t make sense, randomly go from one topic to another, or stop talking in the middle of a sentence.
Disorganized or catatonic behavior
Disorganized behavior means you engage in repetitive, senseless, or inappropriate behaviors. For example, you may laugh in reaction to a sad event or get angry for no apparent reason. Alternatively, you could become catatonic and have trouble moving or speaking.
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Negative symptoms mean you don’t have normal reactions, or you lack the ability or motivation to participate in life. For example, you may be indifferent to other people, withdraw from all interactions, and fail to show or express emotions.
How is schizophrenia treated?
Antipsychotic medications are essential for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. These medications reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic episodes. If you stick with taking your medication, you may be able to keep psychosis in remission.
Dr. Blount also uses evidence-based therapies to treat negative symptoms and help you overcome the daily challenges caused by schizophrenia.
Ronnie Blount, MD, provides compassionate care for people with schizophrenia. To get help, call the office or book online today.