Prodrome

Detecting and treating prodromal schizophrenia, or the early phase of schizophrenia, may help prevent severe symptoms. The skilled team at Desert View Counseling & Consulting in Phoenix and Peoria, Arizona, can diagnose and treat prodrome to get you or a loved one the help needed to minimize complications. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the nearest office or requesting one online today.

What is a prodrome?

Prodrome is the first phase of developing schizophrenia that appears in subtle ways before experiencing traditional schizophrenia symptoms. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects the way you act, think, and feel. It’s characterized by disordered thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, and abnormal behavior patterns. 

What are the different types of prodrome?

Prodromal schizophrenia may last 1-5 years before the onset of schizophrenia. The two main types include:

Pattern 1 prodrome

Pattern 1 prodrome causes subtle changes not specific to schizophrenia, including sleep disturbances, followed by early signs of schizophrenia and psychosis (loss of contact with reality).

Pattern 2 prodrome

Pattern 2 prodrome consists of early symptoms associated with schizophrenia, along with irritability or anxiety followed by psychosis. 

What are the symptoms of prodrome?

Prodrome causes gradual changes in mood, thinking, and social skills before psychosis develops. Symptoms include:

• Trouble concentrating
• Depression
• Poor sleep
• Social isolation
• Lack of motivation
• Changes in thinking patterns
• Problems interpreting reality from an inner world
• Hallucinations
• Mumbled voice
• Withdrawal 
• Anxiety
• Erratic behavior patterns
• Problems with attention, learning, and memory

People with prodromal schizophrenia may also have trouble planning, remembering important things, and finishing tasks.

What are the risk factors for prodromes?

Risk factors for prodrome include:

• Family history of schizophrenia
• Stress
• Viruses
• Malnutrition before birth
• Pregnancy or birth complications
• Neurotransmitter imbalances
• Brain development abnormalities 

About one in four people with prodromal schizophrenia will progress to developing schizophrenia. 

How is prodrome treated?

The Desert View Counseling & Consulting team diagnoses prodrome after completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, thoughts, moods, and behavior patterns. 

Treating prodrome may involve counseling or taking medications that reduce prodromal symptoms and the risk of your condition progressing to schizophrenia. Desert View Counseling & Consulting offers genetic testing to determine the type of medication that works best with your genetic makeup. 

Other treatment options may include dietary supplements, such as D-serine or omega-3 fatty acids, and supportive psychotherapy. 

The Desert View Counseling & Consulting specialists follow up as often as needed to ensure a successful outcome with a low risk of complications.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Desert View Counseling & Consulting by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.