Schizophrenia

Symptoms and treatments related to this serious mental condition

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder. This condition affects how people think, feel, and act. If you or a loved one has schizophrenia, you are not alone. Our team of experts provides comprehensive, compassionate care to people with schizophrenia throughout metro Detroit and Michigan.

Schizophrenia symptoms in adults and adolescents

Symptoms of schizophrenia often appear for the first time in a patient’s early 20s. Symptoms may include:

• Delusional beliefs, or beliefs that aren’t based in reality
• Disorganized thoughts or speech
• Hallucinations, or perceiving sounds or sights that aren’t real
• Paranoia or a constant feeling of being watched
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Withdrawing from social situations

Many symptoms of schizophrenia in young patients are similar to those of adults. Your child may withdraw from family members and friends or show a drop in performance at school. These also are common behaviors for young people, particularly teenagers, so schizophrenia is sometimes more difficult for parents and guardians to detect right away in children for parents and guardians.

To make an appointment with a behavioral health expert call:

• Southeast Michigan: (800) 422-1183
• South Central Michigan:(800) 531-3728     

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a combination condition that includes symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Learn more about mood disorders.

Outpatient schizophrenia treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for schizophrenia. But we can provide treatments that relieve patients’ symptoms and improve quality of life. Medication management on an outpatient basis is a common treatment recommendation for schizophrenia.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe antipsychotics, a type of medication, to control your schizophrenia symptoms. Many of these are taken every day in pill or liquid form, while others are given less often in injections. You and your doctor will work together to find the medication type and dosage that works best for you.

Dialectical behavioral therapy for adults

Our dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, can help adults manage schizophrenia symptoms in everyday life and deal with challenges that can arise. You’ll also learn methods for testing the reality of thoughts.

Inpatient schizophrenia treatment

Patients with schizophrenia may resist treatment in times of crisis or if they can’t be assured their hallucinations or delusions aren’t real. Inpatient care may be needed in these cases for the patient’s safety.

Learn more about our inpatient psychiatric care.