St. Paul’s Leading Schizophrenia Treatment Center

Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder that researchers continue to study. It seems to stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.  

People who have schizophrenia may experience symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and a lack of motivation. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that, on average, symptoms emerge in the late teens to early 20s for men and the late 20s to early 30s for women. It is uncommon to be diagnosed after age 40. 

It may be caused by a chemical imbalance or structural variance in the brain, which prevents different parts of the brain from communicating properly. This may develop before birth, possibly due to exposure to infections or malnutrition. 

Many different factors may cause schizophrenia symptoms to emerge or worsen, especially if someone is already predisposed to developing the disorder. They may include: 

• Stressful life events, trauma, and chronic stress 
• Dysfunctional family dynamics, social isolation, and lack of support  
• Early childhood experiences and developmental delays 

Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose schizophrenia. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be beneficial to seek professional care. Treatment may prevent symptoms from fully manifesting. 

• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not real  
• Delusions: Believing, sometimes to an extreme degree, in things that are not real 
• Disorganized thinking or speech: Struggling to communicate due to confused or jumbled ideas 
• Abnormal movement: Disorganized, agitated, or frenetic movements 
• Catatonia: A complete lack of movement, including speech or facial expressions 
• Cognitive impairments: Problems with memory and attention 
• Executive functioning impairments: Difficulty processing information and making decisions  
• Reduced awareness: Inability of the person to understand what is happening around them  
• Echolalia or echopraxia: Imitating the speech or movements of other people 

A schizophrenia diagnosis does not require all these symptoms. When you contact our treatment center, a mental health professional will fully evaluate you to assess how the disorder is affecting your daily experiences and interactions. 

Receiving this diagnosis might feel scary, or it may bring relief by finally explaining symptoms that were previously hard to understand. The important thing to know is that effective treatment is available.  

The multidisciplinary team at Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital offers comprehensive treatment in a safe, supportive environment. We can equip you with the knowledge and tools to pursue your wellness goals. 

Schizophrenia may emerge suddenly or gradually. You may experience symptoms continuously or in episodes, and they may evolve over time. Early treatment is important to avoid the full manifestation of the disorder. For this reason, it is helpful to understand the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. 

An acute episode may include psychosis and sometimes aggressive behavior or suicidal ideation. In the case of severe symptoms, you may need to seek emergency services or immediate inpatient treatment. 

You may delay or avoid the most severe symptoms if you seek help right after your first episode. You can also learn healthy coping mechanisms and avert negative symptoms, such as substance misuse. It is not uncommon for addiction and schizophrenia to co-occur. Drugs and alcohol can worsen schizophrenia symptoms. 

Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but with the proper treatment, you can experience remission. Even in remission, you should continue to work with your doctor or care team in case of a relapse. Signs of relapse can include: 

• Sleep changes 
• Increased anxiety 
• Agitation 
• Suspicion or hostility 
• Lack of insight into symptoms 
• An increase in the severity of usual symptoms  

If a relapse occurs, seek treatment right away. 

Schizophrenia can affect practically every aspect of your daily life and relationships. Left untreated, this disorder can lead to a range of negative effects:  

• Withdrawal from relationships with family and friends, leading to social isolation 
• Struggles with employment due to cognitive impairments, social anxiety, or erratic behavior  
• Lack of self-care, fulfilling household responsibilities, and managing money 
• Trouble with attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving  
• Increased risk for addiction to drugs or alcohol, which has a negative effect on symptoms  
• Co-occurring physical health concerns 
• Increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration related to the disorder  

The professionals at Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital understand the challenges of living with the symptoms of schizophrenia. We are committed to providing compassionate support and personalized care for people who are suffering from schizophrenia.  

A schizophrenia diagnosis can lead you to feel lonely and scared. Misunderstandings and stigma about this disorder can make it hard to talk about. It may help to remember that millions of people in the U.S. and around the world are living with schizophrenia. The important thing to know is that it is treatable.  

At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, you will have the chance to meet other people who have this and other mental health disorders. Meeting other people who relate to your experiences can greatly relieve the fear and stress associated with this complicated disorder. 

Schizophrenia treatment can improve both your emotional and physical well-being, with far-reaching results that can affect your whole life. 

Potential benefits of receiving schizophrenia treatment include:  

• Reduced severity and frequency of hallucinations or delusions  
• Greater ability to perform daily tasks and engage in routine activities  
• More stability in mood and emotions 
• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression  
• Better social skills and communication, which can lead to healthier relationships  
• Better symptom management, leading to greater overall well-being 
• Enhanced ability to live independently and pursue career or educational goals 
• Improvements to self-care and physical health 

We take a holistic approach to care, addressing schizophrenia symptoms while also helping you build new skills and coping strategies. Our goal is to empower you to lead a fulfilling life.  

At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, your needs come first. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your symptoms, needs, and goals and may include: 

• Group therapy sessions conducted by licensed or master’s-level therapists, covering topics such as coping skills, trauma awareness, triggers, and setting boundaries 
• Medication management services provided by registered nurses under the supervision of licensed psychiatrists  

Access to support groups and mental health professionals who understand the challenges of living with schizophrenia can give you hope. At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, we will be beside you every step of the way on your path to healing.