Schizophrenia

Cognitive Behavior Institute Offers Schizophrenia Treatment Services in Cranberry Twp, Monroeville and Mt. Lebanon, PA

 

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects people’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. The most commonly known symptom of schizophrenia is psychosis, where an individual may experience hallucinations (hearing, seeing, feeling things that aren’t there), delusions, and/or dysfunctional thoughts. Other symptoms may include: reduced expression of emotions, reduced speaking, reduced feelings of pleasure in daily living, and a lack of ability to comprehend information and make decisions based on that information.

Schizophrenia affects over 21 million people worldwide and can impede one’s educational or occupational performance. This disorder can negatively impact an individual’s physical health, making them more susceptible to various diseases and illnesses, such as: cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious disease. Due to this increased susceptibility, those with schizophrenia are roughly 2.5 times more likely to experience a premature death than the general population.  Schizophrenia is more common among men than women, and men typically experience symptoms earlier in their lives than women. Contemporary research has not yet identified a single factor as the cause of this disorder, but most believe that it stems from the interaction between genetics and environmental factors. There is also evidence to support an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain predisposing an individual to develop schizophrenia.

Unfortunately, more than 50% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia do not receive proper care for their illness. Research has shown that people with schizophrenia are less likely to seek care than the general population. Not seeking proper medical attention to treat this disorder could be a result of the stigma that is associated with it. People tend to place negative connotations around this disorder, and those suffering can become victims of discrimination. Stigmatization of any illness can lead to individuals having limited access to health care, education, employment, and housing opportunities, among other violations of their human rights.

However, Schizophrenia has been empirically proven to be treatable through medication and psychosocial support. In 2008, the World Health Organization’ Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) developed evidence-based technical guidance and training practices to expand services provided for schizophrenia treatment. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative form of psychotherapy between the patient and client that treats mental health issues by establishing the problem, creating goals, and teaching the patient how to use specific strategies to alleviate, or manage, their symptoms. CBT has proven to be a beneficial intervention for schizophrenia patients; reducing various symptoms experienced in daily living, and increasing their ability to function independently.

Cognitive Behavior Institute uses established evidence-based psychotherapy methods such as CBT for schizophrenia. CBI’s staff consists of several well-trained clinicians who are devoted to providing their clients with the best possible service.  If you or someone you know is struggling with schizophrenia, CBI is here to help! Please contact us at (724) 609-5002. For more information about CBI’s services and staff visit www.papsychotherapy.org.

Originally posted on www.CognitiveBehaviorInstitute.com January 2018