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We Treat Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a very serious mental illness that distorts how individuals perceive the world around them and interpret reality. It can affect how a person acts, feels and behaves. Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness and, sadly, if it is left untreated it can be debilitating. There is hope.

 Treatment options are available and with consistent care it can help individuals struggling with schizophrenia regain some of their independence, return to work and experience connected relationships. Jackson House has programs specifically tailored for individuals struggling with schizophrenia.

According to the Royal College of Physiatrists, schizophrenia affects an estimated 1 in every 100 people. Treatment is available and Jackson House has the experts to help. 

It is common for people with schizophrenia to see or hear things that are not real or hold on to beliefs that are not rooted in reality. Unfortunately, many people who are experiencing schizophrenia do not seek out treatment.  Often times, this is due to the fact that many people with schizophrenia have a distorted view of reality and do not believe they have an illness. When this happens their overall mental and physical health tends to deteriorate. This does not need to happen. Schizophrenia is manageable with treatment. Jackson House has experts who specialize in helping individuals with schizophrenia regain their independence and return to their normal routines.

Do I have Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in individuals during their late-teens to early-thirties. Symptoms tend to present themselves earlier in men. When someone is diagnosed, they are typically experiencing a psychotic episode, where their perception of reality is distorted. 

 It is common for individuals with schizophrenia to experience hallucinations and delusions. They may hear voices or see things that appear very real to them but are only occurring in their mind. They may also have very strong belief symptoms that are not based on any objective facts.

 Schizophrenia symptoms can be broken into three categories - psychotic, negative and cognitive symptoms. Psychotic symptoms are those associated with an altered perception of reality. Negative symptoms can be slightly harder to identify. These are shown when someone starts to withdraw from their social networks, losses motivation, struggles to express emotion or keep up with their normal routines. Cognitive symptoms include changes in memory, attention span and one’s ability to focus. Here is a more complete list of symptoms:

  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations 
  • Disorganized thinking or speech 
  • Abnormal behavior 
  • Inability to function normally in society   
  • Difficulty processing information
  • Trouble paying attention  

While this can sound scary, it is critically important to know schizophrenia can be treated. Individuals who suffer from the illness are sometimes capable of maintaining personal relationships, working and attending school. The key is catching the disease early, following a lifelong treatment plan and building a strong network of support.

Does someone you know have schizophrenia? Take our quiz.

Unfortunately, doctors still do not know the exact cause of schizophrenia. However, there are several risk factors that may increase someone’s chances of developing the disease during their lifetime. There is evidence that schizophrenia runs in families. While someone may be more genetically predisposed, if a family member has the illness it does not mean other family members will automatically have it. Stressful life events, growing up in poverty, nutritional problems during fetal development and alterations in a person’s brain structure have also been identified as increased risk factors.

Do you have schizophrenia? Take our quiz. 

Quiz

Take our short quiz to see if you or someone you care about has any signs of schizophrenia. Remember there is hope. Jackson House is here to help.

Question 1

Does a family member suffer from schizophrenia?

Question 2

Have you recently noticed the individual has an extreme reaction to criticism or perceived criticism?

Question 3

Is it hard for the individual to express emotion? Do they laugh or cry at inappropriate times?

Question 4

Does it seem hard for the person to communicate? Maybe their sentences seem irrational or they are using words incorrectly.

Question 5

Have you noticed the individual having any delusions? For example, they may feel like someone is out to get them or believe something that is clearly not realistic or valid.

Question 6

Does the person seem to be struggling maintaining their normal routine? This could include maintaining good hygiene, fostering social connections or holding a steady job.

Question 7

Do you feel like it is hard for the person to concentrate on one thing at a time?

Question 8

Do you feel like the individual you are concerned about is experiencing hallucinations? This could include voices they are hearing or things they are seeing that are not real.

Question 9

Have you noticed a lack of impulse control? This could be displayed as someone having a hard time waiting in line or the need to share whatever thought comes to their mind.

Question 10

Does the individual talk to themselves or seem to be responding to unseen or unheard objects or sounds?

If you have answered yes to any of the questions above you, or the person you are worried about, could be experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia. You should find a healthcare professional who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options for your needs. Call our team today to learn how we can help.

This Quiz is for informational purposes only and not to be considered a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Please consult a mental health professional.

Schizophrenia Treatment at Jackson House

Getting treatment at the first sign of schizophrenia can help improve long-term outcomes and allow individuals to lead fulfilling, happy lives. Schizophrenia must be managed throughout a person’s life. The most effective treatments include medication, therapy, a network of support and healthy lifestyle choices. At Jackson House, we can help you navigate this illness. We customize our schizophrenia treatment programs to meet the needs of each of our clients. Our programs include:

Medication Management

Medication Management

When patients first come to us, they may still be experiencing psychosis. Our first goal is to get them on a medication that helps reduce the intensity and frequency of delusions and hallucinations. Sometimes it can take a while to find the right medication and dosage. However, our team will work side by side with each of our clients to help them find the right medication for their lifestyle. Antipsychotic medications are a crucial part of treatment and helping individual’s return to their regular routines.

Illness Education

Illness Education

It is very important that the individual suffering from Schizophrenia has an understanding of the illness and how to manage symptoms. This includes educating the individual on their treatment plan and understanding the difference between symptoms and reality.  Moreover, families of those suffering with schizophrenia need support and education regarding the best way to manage their loved one when symptoms have gotten unmanageable. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This form of therapy targets your thoughts and actions. Your thoughts play a large role in how you feel. If your thought patterns are continually negative, it can start to impact your sense of self-worth. Sometimes the skills we’ve developed to respond to situations are not healthy or productive and can leave us feeling depressed. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, you and your therapist will work to identify your current thought patterns and behavioral responses that are not serving you and holding you back. Together, you will work to develop new thought patterns and coping methods to help manage your schizophrenia. 

Family Support

Family Support

A key part of recovery from schizophrenia is a strong network of support. This can include family members or friends. No matter who is supporting you through your recovery, it is important that they take the time to fully understand the illness, its symptoms and how they can continue to support you after you leave Jackson House. When the individuals supporting you understand more about schizophrenia, it can help to alleviate their concerns and worries and empower them to help you seek treatment, should you need it again.

Life Skills Training

Life Skills Training

We work with all of our clients to understand their life goals and then identify the skills they need in order to be successful. We help our clients develop tools so they can function in the classroom, return to the workplace, have meaningful personal relationships or live on their own. Individuals who go through life skills training are less likely to be hospitalized and tend to gain more resiliency.  

When to see a Doctor

If you are experiencing any signs of schizophrenia, remember there is help. You do not have to manage this illness on your own. The team at Jackson House is here to provide you the support and help you need to recover from schizophrenia and live the life you desire.

A close friend was a recent client of Jackson House. From my observation and my friend's comments, this is an excellent crisis treatment center. Mental health treatment is so challenging. It's not like the therapists can administer an antibiotic or put a cast on a leg and call it a success. Good mental health care depends on the quality of the staff. The Jackson House therapists, administrators, and house staff I've interacted with are skillful, compassionate, and kind. I recommend it highly.

Ann

It's time to feel better

We are here to help and we are in-network with most insurance providers. Call us for a free and confidential consultation.

If you’re a provider and need to send us information on a client, please feel free to fax us at 619-303-7044. If you need help immediately, call our 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-766-4274. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Jackson House is licensed by the State of California Community Care Licensing Division and certified by the Department of Health Care Services. We are also CARF Accredited. If you have any client or quality of care concerns, please reach out to us at (888) 255-9280. If your concerns need further attention, you can contact the Department of Public Health at 619-278-3700 or the Community Care Licensing Division at 1-844-538-8766.