Schizophrenia Treatment
Evidence-based schizophrenia treatment combining psychiatric medication management, therapy, and ongoing support to help you manage symptoms and improve everyday functioning.
Book an Appointment Call UsUnderstanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex and serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, perceives reality, and behaves.
Distinguishing between real and unreal is a frequent struggle for individuals with schizophrenia.
At Health & Psychiatry, Dr. Dinar Sajan, MD, and her expert team of clinicians offer compassionate, evidence-based care for people living with this condition. With multiple locations across Florida, they create personalized schizophrenia treatment plans focused on restoring mental clarity, emotional stability, and individual well-being.
Recognizing the Signs: Understanding Schizophrenia Symptoms
Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, with symptoms typically grouped into five main categories.
Positive Symptoms
In this context, "positive" does not mean "good". Positive symptoms are abnormal experiences or behaviors that occur because of schizophrenia.
Hallucinations
Perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices, seeing people or objects that don't exist, or experiencing sensations of touch, smell, or taste without external stimuli.
Delusions
Strong, false beliefs that persist despite clear evidence to the contrary. Individuals may firmly believe they possess special powers, are being persecuted, or have a famous identity, even when these beliefs are not based in reality.
Disorganized Thinking or Speech
Difficulty thinking and communicating in an organized way. Speech may jump from one topic to another without logical connection, include made-up words, or become so disorganized that others struggle to understand.
Negative Symptoms
"Negative" in this context does not mean "bad". Negative symptoms refer to a reduction or loss of normal functions or behaviors.
Emotional Blunting
- Not showing emotions or changing facial expressions
- Reduced facial expression, movement, or speech
- Difficulty expressing feelings appropriately
Social and Motivational Withdrawal
- Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
- Lack of motivation or interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Poor hygiene or self-care
- Reduced ability to initiate or sustain activities
Cognitive Symptoms
These symptoms affect thinking, memory, and information processing:
- Trouble learning and remembering new information
- Difficulty concentrating and sustaining attention
- Trouble organizing, planning, or making decisions
- Delayed thinking and response time
- Impaired executive functioning
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms affect how a person expresses and experiences feelings, making it difficult to connect with others or respond appropriately in social situations.
Blunted or Flat Affect
Showing little or no facial expressions or emotional reactions, appearing emotionally detached even during significant events.
Inappropriate Emotional Responses
Crying, laughing, or reacting in ways that don't match the situation, such as laughing at sad news or showing no reaction to joyful events.
Book an Appointment Call UsSpecialized Schizophrenia Therapy Can Help You Regain Control
Our expert schizophrenia specialist team provides personalized treatment that addresses your unique symptoms and helps restore clarity and functioning.
Schedule Your EvaluationOur Specialized Treatment for Schizophrenia
Effective treatment for schizophrenia begins with a thorough understanding of your individual symptom pattern and needs.
In-Depth Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Under Dr. Sajan’s supervision, we evaluate:
- Current symptoms and their impact on daily life
- Medical and psychiatric history
- Social and environmental factors
- Co-occurring mental health or medical conditions
- Individual strengths and support systems
Psychiatric Medication Management
Antipsychotic Medications control symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Your schizophrenia psychiatrist will work with you to find the right medication and dosage, monitoring for effectiveness and managing any side effects.
Medication Types May Include:
- First-generation (typical) antipsychotics
- Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
- Long-acting injectable medications for improved adherence
- Adjunctive medications to address specific symptoms or side effects
Schizophrenia Counseling and Therapy
Different forms of psychotherapy for schizophrenia and ongoing support help improve daily functioning, build coping skills, and support long-term stability.
Individual Therapy
Helps you understand your condition, recognize early warning signs of relapse, and develop strategies for managing symptoms and stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and challenge distorted thoughts, manage distressing symptoms, and improve problem-solving skills.
Family Psychoeducation
Educates family members about schizophrenia and teaches them how to provide effective support while maintaining healthy boundaries and reducing stress.
Skills Training
Focuses on developing practical skills for independent living, social interaction, employment readiness, and self-care.
Why Choose Health & Psychiatry
Same day and late evening appointments
No referral required
Emergency visit availability
Wide range of insurance plans accepted
Convenient locations throughout Florida
Telepsychiatry:
Expert Care From Anywhere
Access expert personality disorder therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home through secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments.
You can meet with one of our licensed providers, including our experienced Schizophrenia psychiatrist, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Benefits of Telepsychiatry for Schizophrenia Treatment:
- Receive care from the comfort of your home
- Eliminate travel time and transportation barriers
- Flexible scheduling around work and family commitments
- Maintain continuity of care even when traveling
- Access to the same expert providers and personalized treatment
What to Bring
1. Driver's License
2. Insurance ID Card
3. Prescription Bottles
Your Insurance Likely Covers Your Care
We accept most major insurance plans. Let's verify your coverage before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, schizophrenia can significantly improve with proper treatment for schizophrenia. While it's typically a chronic condition, many individuals achieve symptom remission or substantial reduction with consistent psychiatric medication management and schizophrenia therapy.
Early intervention improves outcomes significantly. With appropriate treatment, many people with schizophrenia lead fulfilling, productive lives with improved functioning and quality of life.
Yes, schizophrenia commonly affects cognitive functions, including memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. These cognitive symptoms can impact learning new information, concentrating on tasks, organizing thoughts, and making decisions.
Cognitive deficits often persist even when positive symptoms like hallucinations are controlled. Psychotherapy for schizophrenia and cognitive remediation programs can help improve these functions and develop compensatory strategies.
Schizophrenia typically develops in late adolescence through early adulthood. Men often experience onset between ages 18-25, while women typically develop symptoms slightly later, between ages 25-35. Early onset before age 18 is less common but can occur. Onset after age 45 is rare.