Schizophrenia Treatment for Teens and Young Adults
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, usually diagnosed in young people between 13–40 years old. Residential treatment can benefit teens and families to develop coping skills for life.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition, most usually diagnosed between the ages of 13 – 40. It is believed to affect just over 1% of the population. There is currently no ‘cure’ for schizophrenia. There is however, much that we can do to assist, through medical stabilisation and effective medication, therapy, education and social awareness.
Our treatment programs for schizophrenia, begin with a stabilisation phase. Our young people often join us, when things have become difficult or symptoms have increased to a level that affects daily functioning. They often arrive confused, afraid and reluctant to accept treatment. They may often appear to be separated from reality.
Symptoms can include acute paranoia. This sometimes leads the young person to refuse treatment, through fear, just as they need it most. Our high intensity program situated in a secure environment and away from the hustle and bustle of the main programs, is a wonderful, safe place to begin for young people in mental health crisis.
For many the treatment episode will not need a secure level of intervention, in which case we are able to commence in the main house within our psychosis service. Under the care of Dr. Rasyid; our medical team will ensure that 24 hour nursing is on hand to assist. Our orientation phase will allow the young person and family to rest, as we carefully assess. Together with the family we will formulate a treatment plan to return the young person to stable mental health and long term recovery. This will include medication management. Focused mental health therapy and individual targeted care plans.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia in Teens
Schizophrenia in teens is essentially the same as schizophrenia in adults, but it starts early in life and has a profound impact on their behaviour and development. The early age of onset can present unique challenges for diagnosis, treatment, education, and social and emotional development.
Schizophrenia signs and symptoms in children and teens are similar to those in adults, but the condition may be more difficult to recognise in younger age groups.
Early signs and symptoms may include problems with behaviour, thinking and emotions, for example:
Behaviour
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Violent or aggressive behaviour or agitation
- Trouble sleeping
- Not meeting daily expectations, such as bathing or dressing
- Bizarre behaviours
- Lack of motivation — for example, a drop in performance at school
- Recreational drug or nicotine use
Thinking
- Bizarre ideas or speech
- Problems with thinking and reasoning
- Confusing dreams or television for reality
Emotions
- Strange anxieties and fears
- Irritability or depressed mood
- Excessive suspicion of others
- Lack of emotion, or emotions inappropriate for the situation
Later signs and symptoms
As children and teens with schizophrenia age, more common signs and symptoms of the disorder appear or become more apparent, including:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganised thinking
- Extremely disorganised or abnormal motor behaviour
- Negative symptoms
Compared with schizophrenia symptoms in adults, children and teens may be:
- Less likely to have delusions
- More likely to have visual hallucinations
If you are increasingly concerned or worried, you should seek medical advice without delay.
Treatment for Schizophrenia
Long-term residential treatment is the treatment of choice for schizophrenia. Your family member is able to benefit from the safety and structure of the treatment environment. With understanding and support from Clinicians and peers, they will begin to understand more about their symptoms, how to manage underlying issues and regain strength and a bridge to independent living.
Out treatment plans will assist with stabilising moods, self care practices, social skills, avoiding drugs and substances, complying with treatment, accepting help from professionals and addressing co-ocurring mental health conditions.
Contact us, in confidence on:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia +60 3-2727 1799
Dubai, UAE +971 4 383 5401
