24 million people, or 0.32% of people worldwide are diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is a complex condition. Doctors diagnose most people between the ages of 16 and 30, typically after their first episode of psychosis. However, schizophrenia can be diagnosed later in life after having a late onset. Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior are all signs of the condition. People diagnosed with this schizophrenia require lifelong treatment, which includes both consistent therapy and medication management.
Onset of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can onset later in life. Each person’s brain chemistry is different, leading to variations in when and if they receive a diagnosis. Although doctors typically diagnose schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, they consider diagnoses made between the ages of 40 and 60 as late onset. A diagnosis at age 60 and beyond is much less common, but can still occur.
Like early onset schizophrenia, a late onset diagnosis depends on genetics. It may be the case where the individual has not had a triggering event that sparks their psychosis. It’s also important to note that men are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia earlier in life than women. This likely has to do with when individuals go through puberty and develop.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia often manifests through two prominent symptoms: hallucinations and delusions. People experience hallucinations when they perceive sights or sounds that others do not, while they hold delusions as fixed, false beliefs, even in the face of evidence that disproves them. These symptoms can be tricky, as many individuals with schizophrenia may not realize they are experiencing them.
Beyond these core symptoms, other signs of schizophrenia may include:
- Difficulty planning and following through with tasks
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Speaking in a flat tone with limited facial expressions
- Low energy levels
- Trouble processing information
- Difficulty focusing
These symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, but when several occur together, they may point to schizophrenia.
Breaking the Stigma
Schizophrenia is often unfairly associated with violence, a harmful misconception. The reality is that most individuals with schizophrenia are not violent. In fact, they are more likely to experience self-harm or aggression when the condition is left untreated or coexists with another disorder.
Fear can sometimes be mistaken for violence. For instance, an individual might react out of fear from a hallucination, such as throwing an object in response to a perceived threat. This act is driven by fear rather than a desire to cause harm. It’s crucial to differentiate between intentional violence and reactions that stem from fear.
Treatment for Schizophrenia
Treatment for schizophrenia generally involves medication management, which is vital in most cases. Effective treatment can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals living with schizophrenia. However, more than two-thirds of people worldwide with the condition do not receive care from a specialist. Not all treatments are the same, and finding a facility that specializes in schizophrenia is key to achieving the best outcomes.
At Alter Behavioral Health, every client with schizophrenia undergoes a thorough evaluation and receives a personalized care plan. Our medical team actively monitors medications and symptoms 24/7, with crisis intervention staff on standby to ensure clients’ progress isn’t disrupted.
Treatment approaches used in schizophrenia care include:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Medication management
- Mindfulness practices
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
We believe in tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. Our care team continuously adjusts and refines treatment plans to ensure the best path to stabilization.
The duration of treatment depends on the individual’s condition. Treatment may begin with crisis stabilization or residential care, transitioning to intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization when appropriate. In most cases, lifelong medication is necessary for managing schizophrenia.
Get Schizophrenia Treatment Today
Early intervention is critical for successful treatment. If you or someone you know is showing signs of schizophrenia, it’s important to seek help right away. Schizophrenia can affect many aspects of life, making it difficult to maintain stable relationships or function professionally. No one should face this condition alone.
Reach out to the admissions team at Alter Behavioral Health to get answers to your questions and find confidence in the treatment process. Our programs can be adapted to different levels of care, including crisis stabilization & intervention, residential mental health treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient treatment. Take the first step toward a more stable future and regain control over schizophrenia.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
