Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that profoundly affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and perceives reality. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with the world, experiencing a mix of what are known as "positive," "negative," and cognitive symptoms.
chizophrenia is a complex, long-term mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. At Marietta Psychiatry, we understand that a diagnosis of schizophrenia can feel overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones. Our mission is to provide a compassionate, evidence-based environment where patients can regain a sense of reality, stability, and independence.
Schizophrenia is not a “split personality” but rather a neurobiological condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to process information correctly. It often emerges in early adulthood, though symptoms can appear at different stages of life.
We categorize symptoms into three main areas to better tailor our treatment plans:
Positive Symptoms (Psychotic Behaviors): These include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (firmly held false beliefs).
Negative Symptoms: These represent a loss of normal function, such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, or a diminished range of emotional expression.
Cognitive Symptoms: Challenges with memory, attention, and the ability to organize thoughts or make decisions.
We believe that no two journeys are the same. Our clinical team uses a multidisciplinary approach to ensure every patient receives holistic care.
Before beginning treatment, our psychiatrists conduct a thorough evaluation to rule out other conditions and identify the specific symptom profile of the patient. This ensures our intervention is precise from day one.
Medication is often the cornerstone of managing schizophrenia. We utilize the latest antipsychotic medications to help stabilize brain chemistry (specifically dopamine and glutamate levels). Our team monitors patients closely to find the most effective dosage with the fewest side effects.
While medication addresses the biological symptoms, therapy helps with the human experience of the disorder. We offer:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help patients manage “voices” or distressing thoughts.
Social Skills Training: Focused on improving communication and daily living tasks.
While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. It is a physical brain disease, not the result of “bad parenting” or personal weakness.
Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but it is highly treatable. Many people with the disorder lead fulfilling, productive lives through a combination of medication, therapy, and community support.
This is a common myth. Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. In fact, they are much more likely to be victims of violence or to withdraw from others rather than act out aggressively.
Early treatment—ideally after the first psychotic episode—can significantly improve the long-term outlook. It helps prevent the “cycle of relapse” and protects the brain from further cognitive decline.
Dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate space for mental wellness. Led by Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Roohi Abubaker, we combine clinical excellence with a patient-first approach to help the Marietta community thrive.
670 North Ave NW, Suite 200 Marietta GA 30060 – 1100
