Vanderkooi Psychiatry| St. Louis, MO

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia may change the way a mind works, but it does not mean a split personality.

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Schizophrenia

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What causes Schizophrenia?

The general cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Although this condition can occur due to various reasons, vulnerability to schizophrenia can be inherited. The onset of its symptoms can be attributed to many societal ramifications. Apart from heritability, another possible cause of schizophrenia is the overproduction of dopamine in the body. Stress and drug abuse can increase the risk of this grave mental disorder.

A thorough observation of characteristic signs and symptoms is essential to diagnose this condition. It often takes a long period of time and a comprehensive evaluation of someone's behaviour to diagnose schizophrenia. The societal pressure and stigma associated with this condition often ends up being the biggest reason for people to close down on themselves and not seek professional help.

But if medical assistance is not sought at the right time, it could lead to the patient’s condition worsening, to the point of the disorder becoming irreversible. The peak age of onset of schizophrenia is 15 to 25 years in men and 20 to 30 years in women.

Jeffrey Vanderkooi, MD

Dana Vanderkooi, NP

"Schizophrenia Facts."

Schizophrenia ranks among the top 10 causes of disabilities in developed countries worldwide. Up to 50% of individuals suffering from schizophrenia will attempt suicide and those individuals living with schizophrenia have a reduced life expectancy of up to 18 years.

How schizophrenia may affect an individual.
Signs & symptoms of schizophrenia.

1 in 100 individuals in America will develop schizophrenia in their lifetime. Just because a family member has it, does not mean you will develop it. Individuals who struggle with schizophrenia are more likely to harm themselves than others. Common symptoms include:

Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not actually there
Having strong beliefs that are not true and may seem irrational to others
Having ways of thinking that are unusual or illogical
Exhibiting abnormal body movements
Having trouble planning and sticking with activities, such as grocery shopping
Having trouble anticipating and feeling pleasure in everyday life
Talking in a dull voice and showing limited facial expression
Avoiding social interactions or interacting in socially awkward ways
Having very low energy and spending a lot of time in passive activities
Having trouble processing information to make decisions
Having trouble using information immediately after learning it
Having trouble focusing or paying attention