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.