Up to 1.6% of the United States population has schizophrenia, which can become crippling when untreated. At OHR Health and Wellness in Elgin, Illinois, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Jaya Luis, APRN, PMHNP-BC, offers treatments that help people with this mental health disorder experience a better quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking one online today.
Left untreated, schizophrenia is an often-debilitating mental health condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s associated with hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (irrational beliefs), and disorganization. Treatment can help people with schizophrenia live the best quality of life possible.
Schizophrenia can cause the following symptoms:
Schizophrenia is often diagnosed in the late teenage years to the early 30s. It can be difficult for people with this condition to hold a job or have close interpersonal relationships.
The following may increase the risk of schizophrenia:
However, the cause of schizophrenia isn’t fully understood.
Jaya diagnoses schizophrenia by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. She discusses emotions, moods, thoughts, and behaviors, and asks friends or family members for their input when possible. Jaya uses DSM-5 criteria to diagnose schizophrenia or other mental health disorders to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
A personalized schizophrenia treatment plan often includes taking medications and undergoing psychotherapy. Jaya can meet with you or a loved one as often as necessary for individualized therapy, family therapy, social skills training, and other forms of therapy.
She offers referrals to community resources like support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and supported employment. Jaya follows up routinely to ensure exceptional outcomes.
It’s also helpful to have a strong social support network in place, adopt healthy lifestyle habits (exercise, healthy eating, good sleep, etc.), minimize stress, and avoid drugs and alcohol.
Schedule a schizophrenia evaluation at OHR Health and Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.