Schizophrenia is a multifaceted and enduring mental health condition that impacts cognition, emotions, and behavior. Although the precise prevalence of schizophrenia remains uncertain, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates a range of prevalence from 0.25% to 0.64% of US adults. The symptoms of schizophrenia make daily activities difficult but with effective treatment and robust support system, individuals can achieve a life characterized by wellness, fulfillment, and autonomy.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
The NIMH groups the symptoms of schizophrenia into three main categories:
Psychotic symptoms: How a person thinks, acts, and experiences the world, often causing disrupted thoughts and perceptions, and difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.
Psychotic symptoms include:
Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing or feeling things that are not there.
Delusions: Persistent beliefs that are untrue and irrational to others.
Thought disorder: Unusual or illogical thoughts and speech.
Negative symptoms: Loss of motivation, interest, or enjoyment in activities, withdrawal from social life, difficulty showing emotions, and challenges with daily functions.
Negative symptoms include:
Difficulty maintaining regular activities
Lack of motivation
Avoiding social interaction
Speaking in a monotone voice with limited facial expression
Low energy and excessive time spent on passive activities.
In extreme cases, someone might be catatonic where they stop moving or talking.
These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses.
Cognitive symptoms include:
Difficulty processing information to make decisions
Struggling to stay focused
Difficulty following conversations, retaining information, or remembering appointments or tasks
Treatment for schizophrenia
The Center for Living and Learning provides 24-hour care, with each resident receiving an individual plan of care that is reviewed monthly to assess goal achievement. Our multi-disciplinary team consistently assesses the efficacy of our residential program, measuring success on an individual basis using a goal-oriented token economy point system. Regular evaluations and recommendations are provided by the Center's medical director and a licensed clinical counselor. Our resident activities program is designed to facilitate community reintegration through socialization and self-awareness. We also provide ongoing support to program graduates who have transitioned to independent living successfully.
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