24 million people, or 0.32% of the worldwide population are affected by schizophrenia. It is a complex condition. Doctors diagnose most people between the ages of 16 and 30, typically after their first episode of psychosis. Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior often accompany this condition. People diagnosed with this mental health condition require lifelong treatment, which includes both therapy and medication management.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
One of the biggest symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and delusions. A hallucination is when one sees or hears something that is not present to others. A delusion is the belief that something is true even when it proves to be false. This becomes complicated because a diagnosed person may not always be aware that they have schizophrenia.
Other signs of schizophrenia aside from thought and behavioral patterns, those with the condition may experience:
- Difficulty planning and sticking to plans
- Loss of interest in activities
- Speaking dully and having limited facial expressions
- Low energy
- Trouble processing information
- Inability to focus
These signs can also indicate other mental health conditions, but if multiple are present it could be a major indicator of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia and the Stigma of Violence
Many people stigmatize those with schizophrenia as being violent. Violence is a harmful bias that has been added to the disorder. Most people with the condition are not violent. Additionally, those with the condition are more at risk for self-harm and violence when the condition is left untreated or co-occurs with another condition.
Schizophrenia may make fear come across as violence. For example, someone with the condition may throw something across the room out of fear from a frightening hallucination. They are not intending to be violent, but their fear has resulted in something violent happening. It’s important to understand the difference between intentional violence and violence out of fear.
Treatment for Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia treatment should almost always include medication management, except in unique cases. Treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for clients experiencing schizophrenia. Despite this, more than two out of three people around the world with schizophrenia do not receive mental health care from a specialist that knows the condition. All treatment is not equal, and choosing a facility that specializes in schizophrenia improves the chances of positive outcomes.
At Alter Behavioral Health, all schizophrenia clients get evaluated, diagnosed, and have a unique care plan. Medical professionals monitor clients around the clock to manage medication, treatment, and symptoms. We even have crisis intervention staff on hand to prevent a crisis from compromising the progress of each client.
Different modalities used in schizophrenia treatment include:
- Acceptance + Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Medication Management
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
We believe that everyone deserves to have treatment that speaks for their needs. What works for one client may not work for another. Our care team is constantly adapting and evolving each treatment plan to provide clients with the best experience on the road to stabilization.
The length of treatment will depend on the condition of each client. Treatment will either start with crisis stabilization or a residential treatment program. The client will move to either intensive outpatient treatment or a partial hospitalization program once the doctor deems it appropriate. For clients with schizophrenia, medication is typically needed for life.
Regain Control Over Schizophrenia
Early intervention is best for successful treatment if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with or is showing signs of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is not a condition that can be easily avoided and ignored. It often interferes with many sections of one’s life. It may make it harder to maintain consistent social, romantic, and professional relationships. No one deserves to suffer through their mental health condition alone. Give the admissions team at Alter Behavioral Health a call, we’re here to answer any questions and give you confidence in treatment. Take the first step towards a more stable future. Take back 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.
