Schizophrenia | Overview & Treatment

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by a break from reality. This break from reality can lead to unusual behavior, psychosis, and decreased quality of life.

Abnormal brain chemistry may cause schizophrenia.

Although schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder, effective treatment options can help you, your family members, or your loved ones live with and manage symptoms.

Treatment of schizophrenia may involve the use of antipsychotic drugs and talk therapy.

Schizophrenia Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center offers effective, inpatient treatment plans for serious mental illnesses, including:

• antipsychotic medication management
• psychotherapy
• family therapy
• dual diagnosis treatment

At Bedrock Recovery Center, you can focus on your mental health program in a safe, comfortable environment.

Schizophrenia

If you suffer from schizophrenia, your reality may be different from that of others. You may have trouble telling what is real and what is not. Changes in your reality can cause psychotic symptoms and difficulties in thinking or moving properly.

Living with schizophrenia can be difficult for you, your family members, and your loved ones. Proper treatment can help you and those close to you learn how to live with schizophrenia.

Types Of Schizophrenic Symptoms

Schizophrenia can affect your perception, mood, behavior, and motor functions. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be divided into several distinct categories:

• psychotic symptoms: changes in perception, affecting how you think, talk, and feel
• negative symptoms: apathy, lack of emotion when talking, loss of energy
• cognitive symptoms: strange speech patterns, trouble focusing, repetitive or abnormal movements

Schizophrenia patients may experience some or all of these symptoms.

Diagnosis Of Schizophrenia

Symptoms of schizophrenia may not start until early to mid-adulthood. Diagnosing schizophrenia may only start after your first psychotic episode.

After the first episode of psychosis, you need to show psychotic symptoms for 6 months before getting a diagnosis. If you have long-term symptoms, your psychiatrist may rule out other health problems, such as brain damage or bipolar disorder.

If you receive a diagnosis for schizophrenia, you may be referred to a mental health treatment program.

Warning Signs & Symptoms Of Schizophrenia

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia may include:

• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling sensations others cannot)
• delusions (strong, irrational beliefs)
• abnormal thinking and speaking patterns
• lack of emotion when talking
• difficulty carrying out daily tasks
• repetitive movements
• withdrawing from social situations or groups
• sitting still and not speaking for long periods of time (catatonia)

Changes in your mood, cognition, and perception can start before your first psychotic episode. In severe cases, patients going through a psychotic episode may need to be hospitalized.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for schizophrenia may include a family history of schizophrenia, substance abuse, and pregnancy complications such as malnutrition or sickness. Alcohol or drug use can also worsen existing symptoms.

Schizophrenia is linked to changes in dopamine and glutamate levels in your brain. At normal levels, dopamine and glutamate are neurotransmitters important to your brain function.

Cannabis use, especially during your teenage years, has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia later in life.

Statistics

Schizophrenia affects less than one percent of the United States population. However, schizophrenia patients have a higher risk of suicide, heart disease, and diabetes compared to the general population.

Studies show that anywhere between 30 to 70 percent of people with schizophrenia also have a substance use disorder.

Treating Schizophrenia

Medication and psychotherapy are common and effective treatment options for schizophrenia. Your mental health professional may suggest additional treatment plans depending on your specific needs.

Medication

Medication can reduce your symptoms of schizophrenia. First-generation antipsychotics such as haloperidol and second-generation antipsychotics such as clozapine are commonly prescribed to manage schizophrenia.

Your treatment provider may try different medications to find which one works for you with the least side effects possible.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you understand your own mind and deal with stress more effectively. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of psychotherapy in treating schizophrenia.

Individual and family therapy settings both work for schizophrenia patients and their loved ones in learning to live with schizophrenia.

Other Treatment Options

Other treatment options for schizophrenia may include:

• electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• joining peer support groups
• social skills training
• dual diagnosis treatment for substance use and schizophrenia
• self-care plans

These treatment options may only be recommended depending on your specific needs.

How To Find Schizophrenia Treatment

Local and national resources can give you the information you need to find effective schizophrenia treatment.

Reach Out To Local Treatment Providers

Local treatment providers, such as Bedrock Recovery Center, can work with you to find an effective schizophrenia treatment plan. You can contact these treatment centers directly.

PCP Or Family Physician

Your primary care provider (PCP) can refer you to suitable mental health treatment providers that are in-network and accept your insurance plan.

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can provide mental crisis hotlines, treatment center finders, and information pamphlets. You can use these resources on the SAMHSA website for free.

To learn if our residential schizophrenia treatment plans can help you manage your symptoms in the long term, please contact us today.