Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that changes how a person thinks, feels and behaves. It can make reality feel confusing or frightening. Other psychotic disorders can share some of these symptoms. They are not the same as a split personality. Changes are often noticed first by family or close friends. Dr. Ijeoma Mbionwu, DNP, PMHNP-BC, listens to the person and, when welcome, to the people who know them. You do not have to sort this out alone.
A person may hear, see or sense things that others in the room do not experience.
A belief may stay fixed, even when it does not match what family and friends can confirm.
Speech may jump between ideas. A conversation can become hard to follow.
Daily actions may look unusual, slowed or hard to understand from the outside.
Getting started on simple tasks can feel heavy, even when the person wants to do them.
Time with others may drop. A person may seem distant, flat or hard to reach.
Focus, attendance and follow-through may slip when thinking feels crowded or slowed.
Confusion, mistrust or withdrawal can strain talks with the people who want to help.
Meals, bathing and sleep may become irregular when motivation and energy drop.
Bills, travel and everyday decisions may need more support than they did before.
Symptoms do not always arrive all at once. Sleep, mood and social life may change first. Then voices, unusual beliefs or confused thinking can become harder to explain away. Work, school and self-care may start to slip. A medical illness, substance use or a severe mood episode can cause similar symptoms. That is why a careful evaluation matters before a name is given. If you are worried about someone you love, you can start the conversation. If there is immediate danger, call 911. To talk with someone now, call or text 988.
Care looks at the whole person: sleep, stress, relationships, physical health, other conditions and goals. The plan is personalized and evidence-based, from a board-certified PMHNP, in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida.
A visit reviews symptoms, history, health, sleep and what daily life looks like now.
Medicine may be discussed when it fits. Side effects and how the person feels are reviewed over time.
Talking through fear, stress and daily strain may support care alongside other treatment.
Later visits can include a trusted family member when that support is wanted.
The visit starts with the full story: symptoms, sleep, health, medicines and daily life.
Together, the person and provider discuss options that fit needs, preferences and goals.
Follow-up visits leave room for questions, side effects and changes in how the week is going.
If you are worried about hallucinations or unusual beliefs, Schedule Your Appointment or Call 407-616-1691. Visits are available in Orlando or by telehealth across Florida. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Getting started with StarMaris is simple. Please complete the forms below before your first appointment to help us provide timely, personalized psychiatric care. Referring providers can submit patient referrals securely online. For questions, call us at 407-616-1691.