Schizophrenia Treatment Center in Quincy, MA

It’s difficult to understand what living with schizophrenia feels like unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. Daily life with schizophrenia disorder can be challenging, confusing, and even scary at times. Those living with this serious mental health condition require specialized treatment to overcome the effects and live healthy, fulfilling lives. 

At our schizophrenia disorder treatment center, we understand the complex nature of schizophrenia disorder. We have developed specialized mental health treatment programs to help individuals overcome these challenges. With our schizophrenia disorder treatment programs, we help patients achieve stability, balance, and peace of mind. 

What Are Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are often misunderstood as being the same mental health disorder. However, this isn’t the case, and understanding the differences between them is key for diagnosis and treatment. Rather than being two different types of schizophrenia, these two conditions are defined separately. 

Both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder present with psychotic symptoms. These symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, and unpredictable erratic behaviors. However, a schizophrenia diagnosis is carefully considered only when there is an absence of a mood disorder during manic or depressive episodes. If there is a mood disorder component, along with the signs of schizophrenia, a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is made. 

Living with schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia can profoundly affect a person’s ability to function in daily life. If you or your loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms of schizophrenia, with or without an associated mood disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us at the Massachusetts Center for Addiction for help. 

Additionally, we’d like to share that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website is a helpful, valuable resource for information on schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. They also offer an online directory of providers to help you find the local schizophrenia treatment you need. 

Symptoms of Schizophrenia 

The symptoms of schizophrenia are interesting from a clinical perspective. The range of symptoms and the area of mental health they affect are vast. This can make the diagnosis of schizophrenia a more complex process than with other mental health disorders. 

At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, our mental health professionals are experienced in identifying the signs of schizophrenia and issuing the proper diagnosis as the first step in treatment. 

Schizophrenia symptoms Include: 

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Thought disorder
• Disorganized thinking
• Difficulty processing information
• Difficulty following a conversation 
• Lack of concentration 
• Low motivation
• Memory issues 
• Inability to easily learn new things 
• Difficulty planning and following through with everyday activities 
• Social avoidance 
• Low energy, fatigue 
• Monotone voice
• Limited facial expressions 

Living with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder 

For those living with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, everyday living can be a struggle. With each day, feelings of stress and isolation can become overwhelming. Both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder have very unpredictable natures, which leads to difficulties in maintaining daily responsibilities, like going to school or holding a job, taking care of a home or children, and maintaining healthy relationships. 

One thing that can make a significant difference in the life of someone with schizophrenia is support from friends and loved ones, as well as support through compassionate, research-backed treatment. 

This is why our treatment approach for schizophrenia is designed to not only manage the acute symptoms but also support and guide patients toward developing the skills they need to navigate the challenging waters of schizophrenia in the long term. 

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Schizophrenia Disorder

There are always long-term consequences of undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders. It’s important that we all prioritize our mental health and receive the treatment we need. However, the long-term effects of untreated schizophrenia disorder are especially concerning. 

First, we want to address the risk of violence associated with schizophrenia disorder. Many people, before they have the chance to learn about schizophrenia, believe an untruth that those with the mental health disorder are violent or dangerous. This is a stigma about schizophrenia that we’re committed to erasing. 

Yes, there are individuals with schizophrenia who are violent, but these violent tendencies are not a hallmark of the disease. Instead, most people living with this serious mental health condition are normal people who just want to live their lives without schizophrenia affecting every area of it. 

Those with schizophrenia are more likely to harm themselves than they are to harm others. It’s time to put the association of violence with schizophrenia to rest. 

But, the tendency toward self-harm does illustrate the vital importance of seeking proper treatment. Other long-term effects of untreated schizophrenia disorder include:

• Continual decline in mental health 
• Neglect of physical health, sometimes leading to chronic health problems
• Neglect of self-care
• Increased risk of substance abuse 
• Isolation 
• Long-term financial instability 

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we can’t stress enough how important seeking care for schizophrenia disorder is. There’s no judgment, shame, or stigma when you reach out to us. Our only goal is to help you reclaim your life. 

Where Schizophrenia Treatment Begins 

The very first step in beginning rehab for schizophrenia is recognizing the need for help. This may come from the person directly or by someone close who cares deeply about the person’s wellbeing. 

We believe that early intervention can make all the difference in managing the symptoms of schizophrenia and preventing further decline in mental health. Once you reach out, this is what you can expect from the Massachusetts Center for Addiction. 

Psychiatric Evaluation and Diagnosis

This is a critical step in receiving proper psychiatric care. Our professional clinical staff offers the highest level of experience in diagnosing mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. 

Our mental health professionals spend the necessary time with each patient to understand their unique symptoms, medical history, and mental health history. An accurate diagnosis is critical for developing the most effective schizophrenia treatment plan. 

Our Approach to Comprehensive Treatment for Schizophrenia

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, our plan for long-term treatment for schizophrenia is grounded in a holistic approach. This involves a treatment plan that treats the symptoms of schizophrenia, provides opportunities to learn symptom management techniques, and supports the individual at an emotional and spiritual level. 

Our comprehensive approach to treating schizophrenia may include medication management, evidence-based therapy and counseling, holistic therapies, and support services for the individual and their family. 

Helping a Loved One with Schizophrenia Disorder 

Seeing someone you care about struggling with schizophrenia disorder can be a distressing experience, especially if they’re experiencing an episode of schizophrenic psychosis. It’s important to offer your loved one understanding and patience while encouraging them to receive the professional care they need. It’s equally important to prioritize your own physical and mental health care during this time. 

If you’re worried about your loved one, we encourage you to reach out to us at the Massachusetts Center for Addiction. We can help you better understand the intake process and provide resources for taking the first steps. 

We also invite you to explore our individual and family therapy services. Our team can help you work through the difficulties and joys of loving someone with schizophrenia and help you learn how to support them better while caring for yourself. 

Why Choose Massachusetts Center for Addiction as Your Schizophrenia Disorder Treatment Provider

Our schizophrenia rehabilitation program encompasses a wide range of proven individual and group therapies. The journey begins with a professional psychiatric evaluation, and our commitment follows through in providing you with the highest level of care and support. 
Schizophrenia disorder is complex, but we can help you become empowered to reclaim your life and thrive in every area of life. Contact the Massachusetts Center for Addiction at 844-486-0671 for a consultation today.