Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that impacts a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Individuals with schizophrenia may appear disconnected from reality, causing distress for themselves and their loved ones. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities, but effective schizophrenia treatments are available. With proper care, many individuals can attend school or work, gain independence, and maintain personal relationships. At Legacy Healing Center, our professionals look at the symptoms and offer a path to recovery. Our mental health rehab facilities nationwide are ready and waiting to start on this journey with you. Legacy Healing Center is not just a center for alcohol and drug treatment, we also offer comprehensive care for those struggling with a mental illness.

The Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Recognizing the symptoms of schizophrenia and seeking help early is crucial. Schizophrenia is rare in younger children. Most people are diagnosed with schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, typically after their first episode of psychosis. Research indicates that gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often precede the first psychotic episode. Early treatment following this initial episode is key to recovery. Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary among individuals but generally fall into three main categories: cognitive, psychotic, and negative.

Cognitive

Cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia involve difficulties with attention, concentration, and memory as well as trouble processing information for decision-making. These issues can make it challenging to follow conversations, learn new things, or remember appointments. Healthcare providers assess the level of cognitive functioning as it is a key predictor of an individual’s daily functioning.

Psychotic

Psychotic symptoms involve significant changes in how a person thinks, behaves, and perceives reality. Individuals experiencing these symptoms often struggle to differentiate between what is real and what is not, leading to disrupted thoughts and perceptions.
  • Hallucinations, a common manifestation, involve sensing things that aren’t present, such as hearing voices, which might go unnoticed by others for a long time.
  • Delusions, another psychotic symptom, consist of strong, false beliefs that seem irrational to others, like thinking that media messages are directed personally at them or feeling threatened by others.
  • Thought disorder is also a key symptom, characterized by unusual or illogical thinking patterns. This can make organizing thoughts and speech difficult, leading to abrupt stops in conversation, jumping from one topic to another, or creating nonsensical words.

Negative

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia encompass a range of challenges such as loss of motivation, diminished interest or enjoyment in daily activities, social withdrawal, difficulty expressing emotions–often speaking in a dull voice and showing limited facial expressions–and problems with normal functioning. Individuals may struggle with planning and sticking to activities like grocery shopping. They may avoid social interactions or engage awkwardly, exhibit very low energy, and spend a lot of time in passive activities. In extreme cases, they might experience catatonia, a rare condition where they stop moving or talking for a period. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for depression or other mental illnesses.

Basic Schizophrenia Treatment Guidelines

Treating schizophrenia can come in many different forms. Usually, the treatments are not just a one-and-done medication but will also involve education about mental illness, and in extreme cases, hospitalization is necessary. There is no cure, therefore, symptom management is the goal of our schizophrenia treatment centers. If a person can learn to manage symptoms, they can find a way back into a semblance of normalcy.

Antipsychotic Medication

Medication-assisted treatment is used mostly to make the psychotic symptoms more manageable. Antipsychotic medication reduces the frequency and intensity of schizophrenia symptoms. These medications come in the form of pills or liquids and are sometimes injected. Unfortunately, because every individual is unique, each person responds to the medication differently, not to mention the range of side effects one can experience. The most common antipsychotic medications are haloperidol, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine, and clozapine.

Therapy

Therapy, including psychotherapy, social skills training, and family therapy, is used to address all the symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is useful for helping those who experience delusions, lack of motivation, and struggle with their cognitive function. Therapy helps individuals develop their coping strategies, communication skills, as well as stress management techniques necessary as a result of this mental illness. Family therapy is important in order for family members and loved ones to understand what a person with this mental illness is going through so they can respond appropriately and help.

Support and Lifestyle Changes

Support groups offer a great way for individuals experiencing this mental illness to connect with others and see that they are not alone in this struggle. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, implementing a regular exercise routine, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can positively impact overall well-being and symptom management.

Hospitalization

Especially in the worst-case scenarios, hospitalization provides a safe environment for treatment and stabilization.

Finding A Rehab Facility with Legacy Healing Center

If you or a loved one is showing signs of schizophrenia, Legacy Healing Center is here to provide support and treatment. Contact your local Legacy residential treatment centers for schizophrenia. Our professionals will help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan for you. Our inpatient rehab facility will welcome you with open arms and a plan to help you see the opportunities that still await you. If you are interested in reading more about what we do, feel free to read our treatment articles for information on how we can help you.

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