Schizophrenia and psychosis treatment in Houston & across Texas

What schizophrenia or other psychosis actually look like?

Schizophrenia, or psychosis, entails being “out of touch with reality”. Thoughts could be seen as strange or far from what is actually possible, such as beliefs of having a superpower, of being able to control minds or events, or of finding hidden messages on TV or the radio.

People can feel as if they are under constant surveillance without evidence of it. They can often hear voices or others speaking when nobody is around. The voices could be telling them what to do.

Some people feel isolated, do not want to come out of their room, and do not interact much with others. They can present as aggressive or irritable at times. Their thinking can be slow, and they can lose their train of thought. They may not be eating as they normally do, presenting with weight loss.

When is it time to see a psychiatrist?

• Someone does not seem like their usual self and is not functioning as they used to: more isolated, not interacting much with family or loved ones, not coming out of their room to eat.
• Feelings that someone is after you, or feeling unsafe.
• Starting to hear voices, often voices telling you what to do or that you are no good.
• Someone has started speaking in a way that does not make much sense, or about things that might not be possible.
• You have ideas that people on TV or the radio, or others in general, are speaking about you.

Treatment options

Several medications have good response evidence as core treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses. Antipsychotics are often prescribed and can be crucial in the recovery process. Strange beliefs or paranoia can subside or diminish to the point that they no longer affect the person’s interaction with others.

The goal of treatment is to reach the best level of functioning and to look more like your usual self.

The right choice of medication depends on a careful review of your history and of previous medication trials with good outcomes or unwanted adverse effects. Augmentation strategies exist for partial response to core antipsychotic treatment.

Good sleep, physical activity and a great support system that becomes a good ally in your care are great additions to your wellbeing.

All treatment options are carefully reviewed with you, and you will have ample time and understanding to make the right decisions without feeling pressured.