Esquizofrenia: sintomas, causas e tratamento em Lisboa

SCHIZOPHRENIA - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised psychiatric assessment and neurocognitive rehabilitation in Lisbon

WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA?

Avaliação psiquiátrica e neurocognitiva da Esquizofrenia — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

A complex psychiatric disorder

Schizophrenia is a chronic and complex psychiatric disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels and perceives reality. It results from neurochemical and structural changes in the brain, often leading to periods of psychosis (disconnection from reality). With timely clinical intervention, appropriate medication and psychosocial support, it is possible to stabilise the symptoms and return the patient to a functional and full life.

Most common manifestations

Psychotic Symptoms
The presence of hallucinations (such as hearing voices) and delusions (false and unyielding beliefs, such as feeling watched or persecuted).
Apathy and isolation
Deep apathy, chronic social isolation, affective inhibition (reduced emotional expression) and lack of motivation.
Cognitive symptoms
Severe concentration difficulties, work problems and visible disorganisation in speech and thought.
Behavioural changes
Abnormal or bizarre body movements, unexplained agitation, or episodes of catatonia (extreme immobility and lack of response).

RISK FACTORS AND NEUROBIOLOGY

Genetics and Heredity

Genetic predisposition plays a key role. The risk increases significantly if there are first-degree relatives with the disease.

Genetic

Neurochemical imbalance

Structural alterations in the regulation of specific neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and glutamate, which affect the ways in which we perceive the world and think.

Neurobiological

Neurodevelopmental Factors

Complications during pregnancy or childbirth (such as severe malnutrition or exposure to viruses) that subtly affect the early brain development of the foetus.

Early

Environmental and chemical triggers

The use of psychoactive substances, especially cannabis in adolescence and hallucinogenic drugs, and high-stress events are factors that can trigger the first schizophrenic outbreak.

Environmental

Estudo do cérebro e neurobiologia da Esquizofrenia

The initial manifestation of schizophrenia (the first psychotic episode) typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood.

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EFFECTIVENESS IN THE TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Clinical results geared towards psychiatric stabilisation and psychosocial reintegration

70%

of patients achieve a significant reduction and stabilisation of symptoms with modern antipsychotics

60%

reduced risk of clinical relapses (new outbreaks) when the patient maintains strict adherence to antipsychotic treatment

3×

greater likelihood of functional and social reintegration with cognitive rehabilitation and psychoeducation programmes

85%

of families report an improvement in environment and well-being after taking part in psychoeducation and family support programmes

* The treatment of schizophrenia is continuous. Early intervention (at the very first outbreak) is the most decisive factor for a good prognosis.

Sources: clinical data, Leucht et al. (2012), Lancet - meta-analysis of 65 RCTs with 6,493 patients (relapse rate at 1 year: 64% placebo vs. 27% antipsychotic); Agid et al. (2003), response rate in first psychotic episode; NIH review - effectiveness of family psychoeducation in schizophrenia and reduction of carer burden; psychosocial rehabilitation literature and cognition in schizophrenia.

CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT AND REHABILITATION

Avaliação neurológica e psiquiátrica integrada

Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana (EMT) para sintomas negativos e comorbilidades

Intervenção e reabilitação neurocognitiva

Psicoeducação e suporte psicoterapêutico

Mapeamento Cerebral (qEEG) e avaliação neurofisiológica

Salas de Terapia Ocupacional e Psicologia

Espaço Clínico NeuroPsyque - Ambiente Seguro e Empático

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY AND INTEGRATED INTERVENTION

Schizophrenia is an illness that still carries a strong social stigma, which often delays the search for help, even by family members. The first signs of decline (such as isolation, disorganised thinking or abandonment of routines) often appear months or years before the first psychotic break. A specialised psychiatric assessment at this prodromal (antecedent) stage, or as soon as possible after the first hallucinations, is absolutely critical to halt the progression of neurocognitive damage.

💡 A diagnosis is not a sentence of incapacity. Current psychiatric approaches, combined with cognitive rehabilitation, focus on restoring the patient to a functional and integrated life.

At Clínica NeuroPsyque, we adopt an approach that goes far beyond simply controlling symptoms with antipsychotic medication. Our therapeutic plan includes neuropsychological assessment, cognitive stimulation to treat memory and attention loss, family psychoeducation, and when indicated, non-invasive neuromodulation techniques to treat resistant depressive or negative symptoms, guaranteeing dignity and human support throughout the journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Schizophrenia

Is schizophrenia the same as split personality?

No. This is a very common myth. Schizophrenia refers to a "split mind" in the sense of a split from reality (psychosis), not multiple identities. The individual may hear voices or have delusional thoughts, but their basic identity is unique.

Are people with schizophrenia violent or dangerous?

In the overwhelming majority of cases, no. It's a strong stigma fuelled by fiction. In fact, people with schizophrenia have a much higher risk of being victims of violence, or even of self-harm, than of committing violent acts against others.

Does antipsychotic medication have to be taken for life?

Generally, yes. Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, just like diabetes, for example. Abandoning medication (even when the patient feels "cured" and stabilised) is the main cause of severe relapses (new outbreaks) and progressively worsening cognitive decline.

How can Neuromodulation (EMT) help with schizophrenia?

A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is increasingly being used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions. In this case, it makes it possible to reduce the intensity of auditory hallucinations that are resistant to medication, and above all to treat so-called "negative symptoms" (apathy, affective dullness, etc.), for which traditional medications are often less effective.

Does the disease affect the patient's intelligence?

Schizophrenia doesn't lower the patient's IQ (basic intelligence), but it can drastically affect essential cognitive functions such as attention, planning ability and working memory. This is why neurocognitive rehabilitation is a vital part of treatment to restore functionality and well-being.

How can I help a family member who is having a psychotic break?

During a psychotic episode , Keep calm, don't confront or argue about the falsity of the delirium (for the person, what they see or feel is absolutely real and frightening). Speak slowly and softly, ensure the safety of the environment and seek emergency medical help immediately. Once the outbreak is over, you should seek specialised assessment and follow-up as soon as possible. Diagnostic assessment is carried out in the speciality of Psychiatry. Contact us for guidance and long-term planning.