While many Americans have heard of the severe brain disorder known as schizophrenia, not too many are aware of how prevalent it is in the US. According to studies conducted in 2005 and 2006, people with schizophrenia account for up to 0.64% of the US population. But despite being such a small percentage of the population, people with schizophrenia have a life expectancy that is (on average) 28 years fewer than the average population. This is partly due to the high rate of co-occurring disorders (both mental and physical), as well as a rate of suicide rate nearly 3.5 times the average population.
At 449 Recovery in Orange County, California our mental health facilities and mental health services provide comprehensive treatment for people suffering from schizophrenia and substance abuse. We work to provide support for schizophrenia patients that helps them to have a higher quality of life.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by repeated episodes of psychosis. Symptoms are grouped into three categories: cognitive, negative, and psychotic symptoms. A medical professional can help with diagnosis of schizophrenia (and other psychotic disorders) and help a person determine the best treatment options for their personal condition.
People with schizophrenia may experience symptoms like:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Difficulty planning and maintaining routines
- Disorganized thinking
- Periods of not moving or speaking (catatonia)
- Difficulty processing information
- Social withdrawal and difficulty maintaining relationships
- Difficulty anticipating and being motivated by pleasure
- Impaired emotional expression
This condition is the type that requires lifelong treatment and management, as there is no definite cure. Some people might take medications to reduce the incidents of psychosis or treat other symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a complementary approach alongside medication to help patients alter negative thought patterns and behaviors. Early intervention is crucial in managing schizophrenia effectively, as the highest risk of suicide is in the early periods of schizophrenia onset.
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Types of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest in various forms, each with its own distinct symptoms and characteristics. Individuals typically develop symptoms of schizophrenia between ages 16 and 30, with men often developing symptoms in their late teens to early 20s, and women usually starting to show symptoms in their late 20s to early 30s.
Schizophrenia can be classified into different types based on the types of symptoms that an individual presents. But it’s most effective to think about schizophrenia as a spectrum.
This form of schizophrenia is one of the most recognizable, with people experiencing a paranoid perspective of the world around them. They may feel constantly observed, feel at constant risk of harm, or see (or hear) things that are not there.
While less common, this subtype of schizophrenia is marked by a prevalence of negative symptoms. People with this subtype often display a flat affect, odd movements, agitation, or have periods where they don’t speak.
Someone with this kind of schizophrenia may have difficulty with everyday activities, and may struggle with accurate expression of their thoughts and feelings. They may not feel able to organize their thoughts, behavior, and speech.
If a person does not fully fit a defined category for schizophrenia, they may be placed in this category.
If someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia but in a less extreme manner (such as not being impaired by their symptoms as the average person with schizophrenia), they may be classified as having residual schizophrenia. They can still benefit from proper treatment, but may have different treatment options than the average person experiencing schizophrenia symptoms.
Schizoaffective disorder is a condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Risk Factors Associated with Schizophrenia
Due to the complexity of schizophrenia, there are still many things about it that remain unknown, such as specific causes and potential cures. But the condition does have specific risk factors that could indicate if a person is at high risk of developing it.
Studies have shown that the chances of genetically inheriting schizophrenia are about 80%. However, the condition can still present itself in a family line with no history of it. Science has determined that 130 different genes can influence the development of schizophrenia.
External factors are also considered a determining factor in whether someone develops schizophrenia. This includes childhood trauma commonly measured as adverse childhood experiences (ACE). These experiences include being bullied or abused as a child, living in a period of war, and the death of a parent. Experiencing a number of the adverse childhood experiences (having a high ACES score) can be indicative of poor mental health and poor future outcomes.
It has been proven that people with schizophrenia have different brain structures than those who do not. This can involve both the connections between sections of the brain and the sheer size of the areas themselves. This may be tied to fetal development, but this aspect of schizophrenia is not widely understood.
Treatment Options for Schizophrenia
Effective treatment for schizophrenia typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support services. The primary goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this mental health disorder. Treatment plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a personalized approach to care.
Regular follow-up appointments with mental health professionals are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment plan and making necessary adjustments. These appointments provide an opportunity to address any concerns, track progress, and ensure that the individual is receiving the best possible care. By combining various treatment modalities, individuals with schizophrenia can achieve better outcomes and lead more fulfilling lives.
Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. These medications work by balancing brain chemicals, which can reduce the severity of symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. But other medications (such as antidepressants), may also be used in an individual’s regimen to better improve their quality of life.
Individual therapy can frequently be an asset for people with schizophrenia in both accepting their diagnosis and learning how to manage it in a healthy way. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on altering negative thought patterns and behaviors, providing individuals with practical strategies to deal with their symptoms. Family therapy can also be beneficial, offering support and education to loved ones and helping to create a more supportive home environment. By combining medication with therapeutic interventions, individuals with schizophrenia can achieve better symptom management and improved quality of life.
Residential treatment for schizophrenia offers a structured and supportive environment where individuals can receive intensive treatment. These programs typically provide a combination of medication, therapy, and support services, making them ideal for individuals who require more intensive care or have not responded well to outpatient treatment.
In a residential treatment setting, individuals have the opportunity to learn new skills and strategies for managing their symptoms in a safe and supportive environment. These programs offer a comprehensive approach to care, addressing both the mental health disorder and any co-occurring conditions.
Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse
Individuals with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs). As with many other mental health conditions, people often use addictive substances to self-medicate the symptoms of schizophrenia. This provides temporary relief that often does not last. It also does not work to target the specific sources of schizophrenia, unlike antipsychotic medications and other targeted treatments. If addiction develops, the person may feel they need more of the addictive substance to manage their mental illness — but they’re actually relinquishing control
Dual diagnosis treatment programs that address both schizophrenia and addiction can be highly beneficial. These programs offer a comprehensive approach to care, addressing the complex interplay between mental health conditions and substance abuse. By addressing both conditions simultaneously, people with schizophrenia can understand how to manage their mental illness symptoms without turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Receive Support For Schizophrenia Treatment and Dual Diagnosis Treatment at 449 Recovery
It takes special care and treatment to manage schizophrenia, but it is possible to live a happy and healthy life with this condition. We at 449 Recovery work to support patients with comprehensive schizophrenia treatment, so they can have a higher quality of life. Our mental health and addiction treatment center in Orange County, CA is designed to help people seeking schizophrenia treatment live the life they imagine. Contact us today to learn more.
Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.
