Schizophrenia Specialist in Mohali – Expert Care for Managing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects nearly 1% of the Indian population, impacting men and women equally. This severe mental illness disrupts thought processes, emotions, and behaviors, making daily life challenging for those affected.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or social withdrawal, seeking a schizophrenia specialist in Mohali can provide the right diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms effectively.
Understanding Schizophrenia – Myths vs. Reality
The term Schizophrenia comes from the Latin word meaning “split mind.” However, schizophrenia is NOT the same as multiple personality disorder. Instead, it refers to a disconnection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to difficulty in distinguishing reality from delusions or hallucinations.
People with schizophrenia often experience:
✔ Cognitive Impairments – Difficulty in thinking and making decisions
✔ Hallucinations – Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real
✔ Delusions – Strong false beliefs not based on reality
✔ Social Withdrawal – Isolation from friends and family
Without proper treatment and early intervention, schizophrenia can significantly reduce life expectancy and overall quality of life.
Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder influenced by genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Some of the main causes include:
Genetic Predisposition
If you have a family history of schizophrenia, your risk increases:
10% risk if a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) has schizophrenia 40% risk if both parents have schizophrenia 50% risk if your identical twin has schizophrenia
2️⃣ Infections During Pregnancy
Exposure to TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, and syphilis) during pregnancy increases the risk of schizophrenia in the child.
3️⃣ Environmental Factors
Childhood trauma and stress Early loss of parents Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies Exposure to toxic metals
4️⃣ Substance Abuse
Cannabis, LSD, cocaine, and amphetamines can trigger psychosis in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
Stress & The “Two-Hit Hypothesis”
The first hit is a genetic or environmental factor that predisposes a person to schizophrenia. The second hit is a significant stressor that triggers an acute schizophrenia episode.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia symptoms are categorized into three types:
Positive Symptoms (Excessive behaviors that shouldn’t be there)
Hallucinations – Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t real Delusions – Strong false beliefs (e.g., paranoia, grandiosity) Disorganized Speech – Talking in an illogical or incoherent manner Erratic Behavior – Unusual body movements or responses
Negative Symptoms (Reduced ability to function normally)
Lack of Motivation – Difficulty in carrying out daily tasks Emotional Flatness – Lack of facial expressions and emotions Social Withdrawal – Avoiding friends, family, and social events Poor Self-Care – Neglecting hygiene and health
Cognitive Symptoms (Affecting memory and thinking skills)
Difficulty in Focusing – Trouble concentrating on tasks Poor Decision-Making – Struggling with logical thinking Memory Impairment – Forgetfulness and confusion
Case Study Example
A 30-year-old male, Mr. L, visited a psychiatrist claiming that the government had implanted a tracking chip inside his shoulder and was monitoring his every move. He believed that officials had placed cameras inside and outside his home, exhausted his bank balance, and were plotting to kill him.
This paranoid delusion is a classic sign of schizophrenia. If left untreated, such delusions can worsen over time, making it difficult for the person to function normally in daily life.
How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?
A Schizophrenia Specialist in Mohali will conduct a thorough medical and psychological evaluation, which includes:
✔ Detailed patient history & symptom assessment
✔ Physical and neurological examination
✔ MRI scans & blood tests (to rule out other conditions)
✔ Mental State Examination
✔ Psychometric Tests (for cognitive assessment)
Diagnosis is made based on ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria, which define the symptoms and duration needed to confirm schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia Treatment in Mohali – Best Approaches for Recovery
Schizophrenia requires lifelong management, but with the right treatment plan, individuals can lead productive lives.
1️⃣ Medication Management
✔ Antipsychotic medications help control symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
✔ Second-generation antipsychotics have fewer side effects than older medications.
2️⃣ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
✔ Helps patients recognize and challenge delusional thoughts.
✔ Improves problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.
3️⃣ Brain Stimulation Therapies
✔ Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is used in severe cases when medication doesn’t work.
✔ Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for improving cognitive function.
4️⃣ Rehabilitation & Support Services
✔ Social skills training to enhance interpersonal communication.
✔ Vocational therapy to help individuals return to work or education.
✔ Family therapy for caregivers to better understand and support their loved ones.
How to Live Well with Schizophrenia?
✔ Stick to your treatment plan – Take medications regularly and attend therapy sessions.
✔ Avoid alcohol & drugs – Substance abuse can worsen symptoms.
✔ Practice stress management – Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help.
✔ Follow a healthy lifestyle – Eat nutritious meals, exercise, and sleep 8 hours daily.
✔ Stay connected – Family support is crucial in managing schizophrenia.
When to See a Schizophrenia Specialist in Mohali?
✔ If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia.
✔ If there is difficulty in communication, memory loss, or social withdrawal.
✔ If schizophrenia symptoms are interfering with work, school, or relationships.
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
Get Expert Schizophrenia Treatment in Mohali with Dr. Parag Sharma
If you or a loved one is battling schizophrenia, don’t wait! Seek expert guidance from Dr. Parag Sharma, a highly experienced schizophrenia specialist in Mohali.
Book an Appointment Today (+91 6350485705)– Take the first step toward recovery!
