Dr. Ananya Rao
Adult Psychiatry
MD Psychiatry
Leads the inpatient psychiatric team, with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders.
Conditions · Schizophrenia & psychosis
Schizophrenia & psychosis
Psychosis and schizophrenia affect how a person thinks, feels and perceives reality. They are serious, but not hopeless — early, compassionate treatment helps many people return to work, relationships and daily life.
SchizophreniaSchizoaffective disorderFirst-episode psychosis
What it can look like
Signs of schizophrenia & psychosis
Not everyone experiences every sign, and intensity varies. If several of these sound familiar, an assessment is worth having.
- Hallucinations — hearing or seeing things others do not
- Delusions — fixed beliefs that others do not share
- Disorganised speech or behaviour
- Reduced emotional expression and social withdrawal
- Low motivation and reduced ability to feel pleasure
- Trouble with concentration, memory and planning
Free self-check
Unsure what you are experiencing?
Take a two-minute reflection based on the signs above. It is private, and it is not a diagnosis.
6 short questions
A two-minute check-in on schizophrenia & psychosis
You will see one question at a time. There are no right or wrong answers, and nothing is saved.
Understanding it
Types & presentations of schizophrenia & psychosis
Positive symptoms
Hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking added to experience.
Negative symptoms
Withdrawal, flat emotion and lowered motivation.
Cognitive symptoms
Difficulty with attention, memory and executive function.
First-episode psychosis
The first appearance of psychotic symptoms, where early treatment matters most.
The Sakura approach
How we treat schizophrenia & psychosis
Every plan is individual, but care generally moves through these stages.
- 01
Safe, calm admission
A low-stimulation environment with 24/7 psychiatric and nursing cover.
- 02
Antipsychotic treatment
Medication chosen with you and your family, with side-effects actively managed.
- 03
Therapy & skills
CBT for psychosis, social-skills training and cognitive remediation.
- 04
Family & return to routine
Family education, supported return to work or study, and long-term follow-up.
Care pathways
Pathways for psychosis and schizophrenia
Treatment moves from acute care to rebuilding daily life, with family involved at every stage.
First episodes and acute relapse
Residential acute care
Rapid assessment and treatment in a calm environment, so symptoms settle safely and a diagnosis is clear.
Early, well-supported treatment shortens untreated psychosis and reduces the chance of long-term disability. A calm setting lowers stress while medication takes effect.
- Full psychiatric and medical assessment
- Antipsychotic medication, closely monitored
- Low-stimulation, supportive environment
- Family education from day one
People experiencing a first episode, or a relapse with hallucinations, delusions or disorganised behaviour.
Symptoms settle, insight and sleep improve, and the person and family leave with a clear plan.
After stabilisation, or ongoing outpatient care
Recovery & rehabilitation
Therapy and skills work to return to routine, relationships, study or work, with relapse prevention.
Medication alone does not rebuild a life. Therapy, skills training and supported return to routine restore confidence, relationships and independence.
- CBT for psychosis and social-skills training
- Cognitive remediation and daily-living skills
- Supported return to work or study
- Regular medication review and family sessions
People who have stabilised, those living with persistent symptoms, and families wanting to support recovery at home.
Better daily functioning, fewer relapses and a gradual return to work, study or community life.
Helping yourself between sessions
- Keep a stable daily routine and good sleep
- Take medication consistently and report side-effects
- Avoid cannabis and stimulants, which can trigger relapse
- Learn your personal early warning signs
If you are supporting someone you love
- Do not argue about hallucinations or beliefs; respond with calm empathy
- Reduce stress and noise at home
- Encourage treatment without blame
- Seek urgent help if there is risk of harm
Where care happens
Choose the level of care that fits
Meet the specialists
The clinicians who will look after you
A named psychiatrist and therapist from day one.
Questions answered
Your questions about schizophrenia & psychosis
Straight answers to what people and families ask us most.
Our care team is happy to talk it through — no obligation.
Yes. Medication, therapy, structured routines and family support help many people improve significantly. Early intervention reduces severity and relapse.
It can affect work, relationships and day-to-day functioning, but many people learn to manage symptoms and spot warning signs with consistent care.
A combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. It is not caused by weakness, or by upbringing alone.
CBT for psychosis is highly effective, along with family therapy, social-skills training and supported employment — together with medication.
No. Psychosis is a set of symptoms that can occur in several conditions. Schizophrenia is one diagnosis in which psychosis is a central feature.
With your consent, yes. Family understanding is one of the strongest predictors of a good recovery.
When to seek help
Hearing voices, strongly held suspicious beliefs, or marked withdrawal and confusion warrant an urgent evaluation.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. In India, the Tele MANAS helpline is 1-800-891-4416.