Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects men and women of all ages by reducing their ability to think, feel, and behave rationally. The signs of schizophrenia can vary from person to person. As a result, it’s difficult to diagnose this illness until after they experience a schizophrenic episode for the first time. Schizophrenia disorder treatment in Portland provides safe and effective treatment for men and women who are living with schizophrenia and can help them manage their symptoms.
At Crestview Recovery, we support men and women 18 and over who are living with schizophrenia or other mental health disorders. Our behavioral therapists and medical staff will evaluate your condition when you first arrive at our facility. They will use this information to create a tailored treatment program that can reduce their symptoms and minimize the number of active days. Call 866.262.0531 today or fill out our online form for more information about our schizophrenia disorder treatment in Portland and how it can help manage your symptoms.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia affects the prefrontal and medial temporal lobe regions of the brain. It causes delusions, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, and disorganized thinking, affecting speech patterns. These are the most common symptoms that people can experience. However, there are other signs of schizophrenia that show up years before they experience a schizophrenic episode.
While the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, many researchers believe it is a combination of:
- Genetics – If your family has a history of schizophrenia, it does not necessarily mean you will have the disorder. Knowing about your family history can be very beneficial if you feel any of the early signs of schizophrenia.
- Hormonal changes – Physical changes in your body and chemical makeup can make you more susceptible to schizophrenia. These chemical changes can disrupt neurotransmitters in the brain and cause delusions and hallucinations.
- Environmental – Researchers believe that early exposure to certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) and drug or alcohol abuse, can increase your risk of schizophrenia.
At Crestview Recovery, our certified therapists have experience working with clients living with schizophrenia. They can help recognize the symptoms and recommend behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment as part of their treatment program.
Recognizing the Signs of Schizophrenia
There are three phases of schizophrenia that have different symptoms; Prodromal, Active, and Residual. In fact, it can take years for schizophrenia to develop in a person. Even though it seems like delusions and hallucinations happen overnight, these common schizophrenia symptoms only appear in the active stage.
If left untreated, schizophrenia can lead to major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and suicide. Therefore, keep in mind the symptoms of each stage of schizophrenia that you may experience:
Prodromal
This stage can begin as early as 13 years old. Schizophrenia symptoms can closely resemble signs of depression or PTSD, making early diagnosis difficult. Clients can remain in this stage for several years before their symptoms progress. The early signs of schizophrenia include:
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Increasing anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes to their sleeping habits
Active
This stage can take up to two years before clients begin experiencing symptoms. Active stage symptoms include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Psychotic behavior
- Disorganized thoughts and speech
- Inability to control movement
- Lack of eye contact.
Residual
The final stage of schizophrenia includes symptoms of:
- Chronic low energy
- Lack of motivation
- Illogical thinking
- Eccentric behavior
Crestview Recovery: Your Best Choice for Schizophrenia Disorder Treatment in Portland
At Crestview Recovery, we support young men and women 18 and over who are living with schizophrenia and want help managing their symptoms. We can help you recognize the signs of schizophrenia. Then, we’ll create a custom treatment plan that can minimize your symptoms and allow you to lead a happy and productive life. If you are experiencing any of the above schizophrenia symptoms, call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our staff and schedule a consultation to see how we can help turn your life around.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
