Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that can impact a person’s behavior, thoughts and feelings. It’s typically characterized by hearing or seeing things that don’t exist, unusual behaviors, and unusual thinking or speaking. It’s estimated that about 1 out of every 300 people in the world have this condition. Almost half of those with schizophrenia will also be diagnosed with one or more co-occurring disorders. 

The symptoms of this disorder can be better managed with the help of professional treatment. That’s why it’s important for those who have been diagnosed or think they may need to be diagnosed to meet with a licensed clinical therapist. To learn more about schizophrenia and some of the most common treatments for it, read through the sections below.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Each of the following are symptoms of schizophrenia: 

• Any auditory or visual hallucinations or delusions
• Any patterns of disorganized thoughts, feelings and body language
• Uncoordinated movement
• Poor sleep or changes in sleep patterns
• Poor hygiene
• Reduced interest in socializing
• Reduced libido

If you recognize one or more of these symptoms in yourself or your loved one, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with a licensed mental health therapist. They’ll be able to assess your symptoms and determine if a diagnosis is appropriate for you. From there, they’ll work to address your symptoms in an organized treatment plan. 

What are the causes of schizophrenia?

While the exact cause of schizophrenia is not well known, experts believe that it can result from a number of factors. These factors include:

• Family history
• Brain chemistry
• Environmental factors like stress and trauma

What are the most common types of treatment for schizophrenia?

There are several types of treatment that can be used to help someone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia: 

• Talk therapy — One of the most common types of treatment for a person with schizophrenia is talk therapy. One uniquely effective form is process-based therapy (PBT). At Lightfully, we use PBT to focus on each client as a whole person, not a diagnosis. PBT addresses the fundamental core processes of all mental health disorders and uses treatment to implement change. Treatment during PBT is evidence based and multidimensional. Our licensed clinical therapists help encourage clients to modify their thoughts and behavior holistically. 
• Medication — Medication is another common form of treatment for someone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Most people with schizophrenia are prescribed antipsychotic medication. This type of medication is often taken in conjunction with mood stabilizers, antidepressants or sedatives. 
• Brain stimulation therapy — Some individuals who experience schizophrenia symptoms that are resistant to talk therapy and medication report experiencing positive effects from brain stimulation therapy. Examples of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS). 
• Arts therapy — Art therapy is an alternative form of therapy that may be helpful to some people experiencing schizophrenia symptoms. This involves using creative forms of self-expression to help the person process their experiences. 

To determine which therapy may be most effective for you, it’s a good idea to speak with a licensed mental health expert who can help.

Lightfully can help you improve your schizophrenia symptoms with treatment

Our mission at Lightfully is to provide high-quality mental health care to our clients through a focused approach to process-based therapy. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. We have extensive experience working with clients who have schizophrenia, so we’re confident that we can help you manage your symptoms over time.

Lightfully offers various levels of care to both adults and teens: Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults. If you are experiencing the symptoms of schizophrenia, we’d like to help you. Lightfully has several levels of care designed to help improve quality of life for clients who manage mental health disorders, like schizophrenia. Don’t wait any longer to reach out to one of our licensed clinical therapists today for help.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.