Psychotic disorders are perhaps the most heavily stigmatized of all mental health conditions which is why we are committed to providing empathetic care for our clients and accurate education for our communities. One of the most commonly known psychotic disorders is schizophrenia. This often misunderstood diagnosis affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Symptoms can include things like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive challenges, which make it tough for the person experiencing the symptoms to distinguish reality from their perception. Like most mental health diagnoses, individuals with schizophrenia can effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives when they receive the support they deserve.
Columbia Associates can help you live a life you enjoy with our mental health disorder treatment. We believe in treating the whole person, not the diagnosis. We can help you flourish.
What Are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
People diagnosed with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, experience distortions in how they perceive what’s happening around them. This means they might experience hallucinations or hear voices that impact their emotions, language, behavior, and sense of personal identity.
Specific signs of schizophrenia include:
- Regularly occurring delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized speech
- Unpredictable movements or lack of movement
- Lack of motivation or ability to complete normal daily tasks
- Difficulty focusing
- Social isolation
- Flat affect
- Lack of personal hygiene
These schizophrenia symptoms are common to those experiencing the disorder, but symptoms may vary based on type. It’s important to understand that no matter the type, treatment can make a significant difference in the life of someone living with schizophrenia.
Types of Schizophrenia
There are several types of schizophrenia that someone can experience, including:
Paranoid Schizophrenia
Paranoid schizophrenia includes intense delusions and auditory hallucinations. People feel as though they have heard voices speaking to them and often feel persecuted. They may also believe they have special abilities. However, cognitive function is typically not impaired, and speech may be unaffected.
Disorganized Schizophrenia
This type of schizophrenia primarily affects someone’s cognitive processes and ability to speak. People with this type may find it difficult to maintain conversations and have emotional responses that seem incongruent to what’s happening. Daily life routines may be impacted.
Catatonic Schizophrenia
Catatonic schizophrenia involves unusual movement. This may mean intensely energetic movements, lack of movement, or inability to move. Individuals may even hold certain postures for long periods of time or repeat movements over and over again.
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia
Undifferentiated schizophrenia means someone exhibits signs from multiple categories without fitting precisely into one specific type. This means they may experience a mix of hallucinations, atypical speech, or catatonic behavior.
Residual Schizophrenia
When a person has a history of schizophrenia but begins to experience only mild symptoms, this is called residual schizophrenia. It’s likely they no longer experience hallucinations but may still isolate and have cognitive difficulties.
Individuals with schizophrenia can live normal, satisfying lives with the right treatment. You can find support for a life of thriving with treatment at Columbia Associates.
Support for People Living with Schizophrenia: When Hospitalization Is Necessary
People living with schizophrenia have a higher likelihood of hospitalization during the most acute phases. However, proactive support, including medication management and therapy, can minimize the need to be hospitalized over the course of your mental health journey.
In the case that hospitalization does needs to happen, Columbia Associates will be there—providing continuity of care for clients who need inpatient treatment. Our team will communicate with hospital staff to ensure your consistency of care.
What to Expect in Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders Treatment Programs
Columbia Associates is dedicated to providing compassionate, whole-person treatment for people living with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. We offer personalized treatment plans that include medication, therapy, and encouragement toward social support from family and friends.
- Medication management – Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other types of medication can be used to control the symptoms of psychotic disorders and help people get back to daily wellness and optimal mental health.
- Therapeutic support – Therapy can help clients with symptoms cope with stress, improve social skills, and learn strategies for identifying and controlling relapses.
A strong network of people who care for you is also vital. The importance of support from family, friends, and your community can’t be overstated. With caring people by your side, you can find emotional and practical support for your mental health journey.
Find Schizophrenia Treatment Today with Columbia Associates
Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders can be overwhelming, but there are treatment programs available to help you manage your symptoms and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
If you think that you or someone you care about is experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia, contact Columbia Associates today at 703.682.8208 to learn how our caring and compassionate care providers can help.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.