Schizophrenia Treatment
Approximately one in one hundred people will develop schizophrenia during their lifetime. Treatment at Morningside is dynamic and optimistic, focusing on what the client is actually feeling, thinking, and experiencing. In group therapy clients can gain experience and knowledge in dealing with schizophrenia by working through the associated emotions with others who have been successful in this struggle. Conversely, Morningside Recovery never challenges a client’s right to dispute a diagnosis. The word schizophrenia has negative connotations in the public imagination and nobody wants to be told they are incurably mentally ill.
In fact, treatment and therapy don’t necessarily rely on the diagnosis of schizophrenia at all. The goal is to deal with the acute symptoms so that the psychosocial aspect of rehabilitation can be most effective. So long as a client is stabilized from hallucinations, therapy is highly beneficial. Clients usually take antipsychotic medications help to improve the chemical communication in the brain and reduce symptoms. However, Morningside’s clinical staff recognizes that the medications received during a crisis often need to be adjusted after stabilization. Also, sometimes a client needs to try several medications before finding the right one. Perhaps most importantly, treatment provides human interaction and practical support.
Emotional numbness and diminished interest in significant activities can also be relieved by medications. This is important since family members often say that their loved one seems cold or spaced out. Medications that enhance brain serotonin function may improve emotional disorders co-occurring with schizophrenia, allowing the client to engage more normally. Other mood-stabilizing medications that are known to affect dopamine and other neurotransmitters may also help people who experience mood swings.
Morningside Recovery takes into consideration the unique issues of each individual and builds solutions specific to a client’s needs. Treatment includes psychiatric, medical, physical, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual needs. The emphasis is on hope and finding the strength to embrace treatment. Treating schizophrenia this way holds the best hope for sufferers of this disease and the families and friends who support them. It’s important that both the client and family gain insight into the concept of a syndrome called schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia are often occupationally disabled and thus dependent on their families. Morningside’s clinicians can help family members learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills. Morningside keeps the family involved and encourages families to talk openly about this condition to get past the stigma associated with schizophrenia. Families are also encourage to participate in our twice monthly series of family programming. With Morningside’s and their families’ support, clients receive the best possible outcomes and are able to go on to lead satisfying, successful lives.
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