Dr Bryon Mcquirt

Dr. Bryon McQuirt

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt

Last Updated on:
April 24, 2024

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Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can have a profound negative impact on a person’s ability to enjoy a satisfying life. 

Thankfully, schizophrenia is a treatable condition. When a person receives quality care at our schizophrenia treatment centers in Atlanta, they can achieve improved health and a higher quality of life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), schizophrenia is one of the 15 most common causes of disability across the globe. The NIMH has also reported that the average life span of people who have schizophrenia in the U.S. is more than 28 years shorter than among the general public.

You are not alone. You deserve to get help.

Peachtree Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.

WHAT Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a form of mental illness and thinking disorder that affects how a person interprets their surroundings and interacts with their environment. In addition to experiencing hallucinations and delusions, people who develop schizophrenia may also have difficulty forming coherent thoughts and communicating with others.

Depending on which symptoms a person develops, they may be unable to work, attend school, form healthy relationships, and otherwise fully participate in a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Unfortunately, though concerted awareness efforts have improved the public’s understanding of mental illnesses, people who struggle with schizophrenia are often stigmatized due to some of the behaviors that can be symptomatic of this disorder.

Schizophrenia Signs and Symptoms

The following are among the more common signs and symptoms of schizophrenia:

  • Auditory and visual hallucinations (which means seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • Delusions (believing things that are clearly untrue or that have no basis in reality)
  • Disorganized speech (which can include speaking in a manner that cannot be understood by others or responding to conversations with unrelated or illogical comments)
  • Catatonic behavior (not moving or communicating with others)
  • Disorganized behavior (which can include extreme and often inappropriate reactions, poor impulse control, and behaviors that have no obvious purpose or that don’t seem to make sense)
  • Negative symptoms (which can include an inability to experience joy, withdrawing from friends and family, little to no motivation, and a general lack of interest in the world)

Please note that people who have schizophrenia may not exhibit all the signs and symptoms listed above. This disorder can affect different people in different ways.

How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?

To meet the clinical criteria for schizophrenia as established in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a person must have been exhibiting certain symptoms for at least one month. The individual must also display diminished functioning at work, in school, in the context of their relationships, or in another important area of life.

If you suspect that someone you care about may be demonstrating warning signs of schizophrenia, you should make an appointment with their family doctor or another expert, or calls us immediately.

Unless you are a credentialed health professional, you cannot diagnose a friend or family member with schizophrenia. The only way for a person to be accurately diagnosed with schizophrenia is for them to complete a thorough assessment with a qualified healthcare provider.

Contact us immediately. In the case of an emergency please contact 911 or visit your emergency department.

Finding the Most Effective Schizophrenia Treatment Center

At our schizophrenia treatment centers in Atlanta, effective care for people who have developed this disorder may involve a combination of medication and therapy.

Several prescription medications have proved to be effective at easing some of the symptoms of schizophrenia. These medications are commonly referred to as antipsychotics or neuroleptics. Some people take antipsychotic medications for a limited time, while others may take them permanently.

If our assessment reveals that a patient can benefit from antipsychotic medication, we can prescribe appropriate medication and include it in the patient’s customized schizophrenia treatment plan. Our team will work closely with the patient and their family to discuss the features, benefits, and side effects of all medications we prescribe.

Effective schizophrenia treatment centers also include various types of mental health therapy. During therapy sessions, patients can begin to develop the skills that will help them manage their symptoms. Therapy can also help patients learn how to better organize their thoughts and interact with others. 

Therapy at our schizophrenia treatment centers in Atlanta occurs in a safe and supportive environment. We want all patients to know that we value them as unique individuals who are always worthy of being treated with respect and compassion.

How Much DO Schizophrenia Treatment Centers Cost?

At our schizophrenia treatment centers in Atlanta, the cost of treatment can vary depending on a host of individual factors. 

The cost of schizophrenia treatment at our center will reflect the level at which a person is receiving care, the types of services that are included in their customized plan, the length of time they remain with us, whether or not they also receive treatment for co-occurring disorders, and other relevant considerations.

We work closely with each patient and their family to determine the cost of schizophrenia treatment before a person begins to receive care. Our team can also coordinate directly with a patient’s insurance provider to verify coverage and ensure they have access to all the benefits that are included in their plan.

Schizophrenia Treatment Centers in Atlanta

The impact of untreated schizophrenia can be devastating. But when a person receives the type and level of care that are right for them, a world of possibility can open up in their lives. If you or someone that you care about can benefit from personalized care at our schizophrenia treatment centers in Atlanta, please don’t wait another day to contact us. With one phone call, you can put yourself or your loved one on the path to a much healthier and more hopeful future. Learn more about our admissions process today.