Boston Neurobehavioral Associates BNBA
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Schizophrenia

We are located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, New York and Florida.

Schizophrenia Treatment BNBA

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People living with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality. They experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It is a complex neurological disorder with identifiable symptoms and effective, long-term treatment options.

At Boston Neurobehavioral Associates, our specialized psychiatric team uses the latest research in medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychosocial rehabilitation to create individualized treatment plans.

Locations: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, New York, and Florida

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder that disrupts a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. It is characterized by "positive" symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, alongside "negative" symptoms such as social withdrawal and lack of motivation. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors.

Recognizing the Signs of Schizophrenia In Adults and Teenagers

Schizophrenia symptoms are generally grouped into three categories: positive symptoms (experiences added to normal behavior), negative symptoms (loss of normal abilities), and cognitive symptoms.

Incoherent speech, jumping between unrelated topics, or providing answers that are completely unrelated to the questions asked.
Hearing voices or seeing things that others do not.
Reduced expression of emotions, speaking in a dull, flat voice, and limited eye contact.
Difficulty focusing, memory problems, poor executive function, and trouble processing information.
Pulling away from friends and family, neglecting personal hygiene, and abandoning previously enjoyed activities.

Our licensed experts at BNBA can provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and answer your questions without judgment.

What Causes Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia does not have a single identifiable cause. Current research points to a complex interaction of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.

  1. 1
    Genetics: A first-degree relative with schizophrenia increases risk by approximately 10%.
  2. 2
    Brain Chemistry: Dysregulation of dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems is a central factor.
  3. 3
    Brain Structure: Neuroimaging studies reveal differences in the volume of grey matter, enlarged ventricles, and reduced connectivity in key brain regions.
  4. 4
    Environmental Stressors: Growing up in urban environments, childhood adversity, trauma, and social isolation enhance risk factors.
  5. 5
    Substance Use: Adolescent cannabis use, particularly high-potency strains, significantly increases risk.

Schizophrenia Treatment Options

While a complete cure for schizophrenia remains an area of ongoing research, the best treatment for schizophrenia combines different therapy approaches.

Psychiatrists carefully select and monitor the right medication and dose to minimize schizophrenia medication side effects.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for schizophrenia (CBTp) reduces distress from hallucinations and delusions.
Cognitive remediation uses 'brain training' exercises to improve attention, memory, and executive function.
Family psychoeducation programs involve family members to reduce stress within the home.

Signs It's Time to Consult a Professional for Schizophrenia

If you or someone you care about is experiencing the following signs, it is time to consult a mental health professional.

Hearing, seeing, feeling, or smelling things that others do not.
Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty maintaining a train of thought.
Threats of self-harm and aggression toward others.
Severe confusion.
Inability to care for oneself.
Stopping medication amid mood changes.
Unable to provide for their own basic needs (food, water, shelter) due to their mental state.

Common Questions About Schizophrenia