Conditions · Schizophrenia
Steady care for schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a treatable brain condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives the world. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, and changes in thinking and motivation. With steady treatment, many people manage their symptoms and live stable, full lives. Dr. McDade provides ongoing psychiatric care for schizophrenia by secure video across Texas and California, for ages 12 to 70.
The signs
What schizophrenia can look like.
Schizophrenia affects each person differently, and the early signs often build slowly over months. Symptoms tend to fall into changes in perception, changes in thinking, and a pulling back from daily life. You might notice some of these.
- Hearing or seeing things that others do not
- Strong beliefs that are not based in reality
- Jumbled or hard-to-follow thinking and speech
- Trouble telling what is real from what is not
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Less motivation, energy, or emotion than before
- Trouble with focus, memory, or decisions
- Letting go of daily tasks or self-care
- Feeling unusually suspicious or fearful
- A sense that something has changed, often starting slowly
Schizophrenia is less common than many people assume. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that it affects fewer than 1 in 100 adults, far less common than anxiety or depression.
What is possible
A stable, full life is possible.
Whether you are facing this yourself or worried about someone you love, the right care changes what is possible. With steady treatment, many people with schizophrenia have far fewer symptoms, stay out of the hospital, hold onto relationships, and keep working or studying.
Schizophrenia is a long-term condition, and like other long-term conditions, it is managed with ongoing care, not willpower. Treatment works best when it starts early and stays consistent. The sooner care begins, the better it tends to go.
Treatment
How a psychiatrist treats schizophrenia.
Treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis, then steady antipsychotic medication, which is the foundation of care. Medication management reduces symptoms and helps prevent them from returning. Regular follow-up lets Dr. McDade adjust the plan, watch for side effects, and add therapy, skills support, and family involvement so the whole person is cared for, not just the symptoms.
“Schizophrenia is manageable. With steady treatment and support, people build lives that are stable, connected, and their own.”
Care with Dr. McDade
What your care looks like.
Your first visit is unhurried, and runs 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. McDade listens closely, makes a careful diagnosis, and builds a plan with you and, when it helps, your family. Follow-up visits keep medication working and catch changes early.
Ongoing care fits secure video well. If a higher level of care is ever the right answer, she will tell you honestly and help you find it. Meet Dr. McDade.
Questions, answered
Schizophrenia FAQ.
Can someone with schizophrenia live a full life?
Yes, many people do. With steady treatment, people manage their symptoms, keep relationships, and work or study. Care works best when it starts early and stays consistent.
Is schizophrenia treatable?
Yes. It is a long-term condition managed with antipsychotic medication, therapy, and support, much like other long-term health conditions. Treatment does not cure it, but it can reduce symptoms a great deal.
What causes schizophrenia?
It comes from a mix of genetics, brain development, and environment. It is not caused by anything a person or their family did, and it is not a sign of weakness.
Can schizophrenia be treated by video?
Ongoing medication management and follow-up work well by secure video for many people who are stable. Acute symptoms or a crisis need in-person emergency care.
How can I help a loved one with schizophrenia?
Encourage steady treatment, stay connected, and learn about the condition. Dr. McDade can involve family in care when it helps. NAMI offers support and education for families.
When should we seek help?
As soon as you notice changes in thinking, perception, or behavior. Early care improves outcomes. If there is any risk of harm, call or text 988, or call 911.
If you or someone you love is showing changes in thinking, perception, or behavior, early care makes a real difference. Health & Harmony Psychiatry does not provide emergency care. If there is any risk of harm, or you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911.
Begin when you are ready
Steady care, starting now.
Book a private first visit with Dr. McDade, or reach our team with a question. Care is available by secure video across Texas and California.