Schizophrenia Spectrum

Psychiatric Evaluations

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders cause delusions and hallucinations that seem like they’re based in reality. Experienced mental health provider Alicia Scott-Darden, PMHNP-BC, offers detailed psychiatric evaluations and comprehensive care for schizophrenia spectrum disorders at Alicia MHS in Catonsville, Maryland. To schedule an evaluation, call the office or book your appointment online today.

What is schizophrenia spectrum disorder ?

Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is a psychotic disorder that can impact your mental health, usually starting in adulthood. It includes three distinct disorders that make it difficult to identify the differences between hallucinations and delusions and reality.

Alicia MHS uses detailed psychiatric evaluations to diagnose:

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a form of schizophrenia that includes major mood episodes alongside delusions and hallucinations.

Schizophreniform disorder

Schizophreniform disorder has a shorter duration of symptoms than other types of schizophrenia. They last for longer than a month but fewer than six months.

Schizotypal personality disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder causes infrequent episodes of symptoms that aren’t very long or intense. With this disorder, it’s more likely for you to grasp reality if you’re made aware of its presence.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum ?

Each of the three subtypes of schizophrenia shares common symptoms. Alicia MHS evaluates your symptoms and how often they occur to determine your diagnosis. Common schizophrenia spectrum symptoms include:

Hallucinations

Delusions

Reduced ability to function normally

Abnormal behaviors, like agitation or sporadic movements

Note: Your symptoms can fluctuate over time, becoming more or less severe. In some cases, you might even experience periods of remission when you don’t have any symptoms.

How can I manage symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum ?

Alicia MHS proudly provides the necessary treatment to help you manage any disorder on the schizophrenia spectrum. While it can take time to find an effective strategy, Alicia MHS offers personalized treatment plans based on your needs.There are medications available to help manage the psychosis that comes with the schizophrenia spectrum. Antipsychotic medications work best when you use them consistently and according to the specific instructions from your provider. When you come in for your medication checkups, your appointment lasts for 20-30 minutes.

Afterward, you can expect your provider to follow up with you on the effectiveness of your medication and any side effects you might experience.Supportive therapy is almost always a component in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Through therapy, you can learn important coping skills and self-care strategies to recognize and manage symptoms when they occur.To schedule a psychiatric evaluation for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, call Alicia MHS or book your appointment online today.