What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a rare but significant mental health condition in which a person’s ability to comprehend reality is impaired. Schizophrenia is characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and actions that interfere with daily life and are typically disabling. Schizophrenia is assumed to be caused by genetics, the environment, and chemical imbalances.

This condition, like many mental illnesses, is on a spectrum, and there are numerous forms of schizophrenia disorder, including:

• Paranoid schizophrenia
• Undifferentiated schizophrenia
• Disorganized or Hebephrenic schizophrenia
• Residual schizophrenia
• Catatonic schizophrenia

In the majority of instances, symptoms of schizophrenia do not develop until the late teens or early twenties. Some people may see their loved one transform from an absolutely normal-appearing young adult to a serious schizophrenic due to the late age of onset. Furthermore, because there are numerous forms of schizophrenia, people with the condition may have various symptoms and require different schizophrenia treatments.

If you suspect your loved one may be struggling with schizophrenia, look for these common signs:

• Abnormal and unorganized thinking

• Disorganized speech

• Poor concentration

• Strange behavior or actions

• Lack of emotions

• Low motivation

• Social isolation

• Paranoia

• Hallucinations – seeing, hearing, or smelling something that isn’t there

• Delusions – strong mistaken beliefs, even when they are revealed to be incorrect

If your loved one has been exhibiting several of these schizophrenia symptoms for a long time, it’s time to seek treatment. Because paranoid schizophrenia treatment will be different from disorganized schizophrenia treatment, a primary mental health facility center will be able to get a better understanding of the individual’s disorder and put together the appropriate treatment plan.

We at Southern Live Oak Wellness understand that having a loved one with a schizophrenia disorder can be scary and overwhelming, but there is hope. We offer residential treatment for schizophrenia disorders in the Atlanta metro area that’s designed to help schizophrenics manage their symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life without the discomfort of a hospital setting.

In most cases, schizophrenia is treated with a mix of medication and psychosocial therapy. Patients who enter our mental health residential or partial hospitalization program will first undergo an in-depth assessment. From there, our medical team will work with the patient to determine the best antipsychotic kind and dosage.  Our medical staff is on call 24/7 to monitor symptoms and address any concerns the patient may have.  Although finding the right medication can make a significant difference, schizophrenia tends to take a toll on patients emotionally that require attention as well.  This is when therapy can be of use. Our  program gives patients a better understanding of how to manage their schizophrenia and provide them with tools that they can utilize when they step down from treatment. Our therapy ensures patients have the proper education and preparation to help them prevent substantial setbacks after they return to their regular routine. We also provide dual diagnosis treatment for patients who are dealing with a substance abuse problem as well.

Schizophrenia does not have to imply that you or a loved one can’t lead a relatively normal life. We are here at Southern Live Oak Wellness to assist people in managing their symptoms so they may focus on the future.