Schizophrenia Treatment in Georgia

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that impacts how people behave, think, and feel. Depending on the severity of the condition, people can experience a range of symptoms, including: 

• Memory problems
• Difficulties concentrating and focusing
• Delusions and beliefs not based in reality
• Disorganized speech
• Disorganized thought patterns
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Lack of motivation and energy
• Inability to express emotions
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Believing one’s self is being controlled by others

Schizophrenia generally first appears when people are in their teens to early thirties. However, while rare, schizophrenia can occur later in life. 

How Do I Know I Need Schizophrenia Treatment?

It can be challenging to know if you need schizophrenia treatment. The initial signs can often be confused with normal adolescent behavior, such as:

• Problems sleeping
• Irritability
• Poor grades at school
• Changing friends
• Social withdrawal 

However, if you notice you are experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or cognitive difficulties, it is highly recommended to get a detailed medical examination to rule out other possible conditions. 

Our Schizophrenia Treatment Programs in Atlanta

Serenity Grove offers various levels of care as part of our schizophrenia treatment programs in Atlanta, including: 

• Residential program: Our residential program is for individuals who are a harm to themselves or others or who require 24/7 support and monitoring. 
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Our PHP is a step-down level of care for people who have completed our residential program. This level of care is also well-suited for individuals with a supportive home environment who can manage their symptoms overnight without supervision. 
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Our IOP is a step-down level of care from our PHP. It is for people who have work or school commitments and are unable to commit to a residential program or a PHP. 
• Outpatient program (OP): Our OP is for people who have completed a higher level of care and can manage their symptoms effectively outside of a clinical setting. This program offers the most flexibility to work, attend school, and take care of other personal responsibilities. 
• Dual diagnosis treatment: Some people with schizophrenia will attempt to self-medicate their symptoms using alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, this can lead to co-occurring conditions requiring dual diagnosis treatment. We offer dual diagnosis treatment at all care levels. 

Types of Schizophrenia Disorders

Several different types of schizophrenia disorders fall on the schizophrenia spectrum. People experience schizophrenia differently due to the extent, prevalence, and frequency of their symptoms. The most common types are:

• Schizophreniform disorder: This type of schizophrenia disorder occurs when a person has been experiencing schizophrenia symptoms for less than six months. 
• Schizotypal personality disorder: People with this type often seem eccentric, are superstitious, behave oddly, and experience anxiety in social settings. They also rarely experience hallucinations or delusions. 
• Delusional disorder: Those with delusional disorder find it difficult to tell what they are imagining and what is real. For example, they may think someone is following them. Unlike other types, people with this type tend to function well in social settings.  
• Schizoaffective disorder: This type of schizophrenia is characterized by delusional thinking and mood episodes similar to bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. However, they continue to experience psychosis in between mood episodes. 
• Brief psychotic disorder: While rare, this type can occur from trauma or extremely stressful situations. People can experience a range of symptoms, such as unusual behaviors, cognitive problems, delusions, and hallucinations. The condition is normally temporary but can occur when someone has other mental health disorders. 

How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?

Schizophrenia is diagnosed with a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will ask the individual various questions, evaluate their behaviors and responses, and review their symptoms. They will inquire about family history, medical history, and any substance use problems. Laboratory and medical tests can also be prescribed to rule out other medical conditions. 

How Is Schizophrenia Treated?

Schizophrenia treatment at Serenity Grove is treated using evidence-based and holistic modalities along with various medications. We individualize our comprehensive care to meet the specific needs of our clients with schizophrenia. 

Medications

Some of the various psychiatric medications that can be used to treat schizophrenia symptoms are:

• Benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotics
• Mood stabilizers
• Antidepressants

Therapies

Some of the various types of therapies used to treat schizophrenia disorders include:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
• DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy)
• Family therapy
• Mindfulness/meditation
• Yoga
• Life skills training
• Group therapy
• Trauma therapy