Mesa, Arizona’s Preferred Schizophrenia Disorder Hospital

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) organizes schizophrenia symptoms into three categories: positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms. 

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include new behaviors and thinking patterns, such as: 

• Hallucinations, including smelling, seeing, or tasting something that isn’t there 
• Delusions such as paranoia or a sense of grandiosity 
• The association of random events with personal significance 
• The belief that external forces are placing thoughts in one’s mind 
• Inappropriate emotional responses 

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve a reduction of abilities or functions and can include: 

• Social withdrawal 
• Reduced emotional expression 
• Lack of motivation 
• Inability to pay attention 
• Reduced speech 

Disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia involve disruptions in thought processes, behavior, and communication. Common disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia include: 

• Shifting between unrelated topics when speaking 
• Illogical thinking 
• Incoherent speech that mixes disconnected ideas and phrases 
• The creation of a new language or new way of using words that others don’t understand 
• Immobility 
• Excessive movement that seems to have no purpose 
• Difficulty doing daily tasks like bathing, cooking, and shopping 
• Socially inappropriate behavior 
• Difficulty in social settings 

People who struggle with schizophrenia may experience these symptoms in a variety of combinations and levels of severity. If you believe that you or someone you love may have schizophrenia, reach out to a behavioral health professional as soon as possible. Early intervention can be particularly helpful when it comes to treating schizophrenia, and receiving ongoing care can lead to life-changing improvements.  

Untreated schizophrenia can lead to difficulties holding a job and managing relationships. Those who have untreated schizophrenia may also struggle to maintain a basic level of self-care, making it difficult for them to live on their own. Common negative impacts of schizophrenia include: 

• Strained interpersonal relationships 
• Inability to form new relationships 
• Reduced work productivity  
• Inability to get or hold a job 
• Neglect of personal hygiene  
• Trouble executing daily tasks 
• Increased risk for substance abuse 
• Legal problems caused by impaired judgment or erratic behavior 
• Homelessness 
• Physical health problems related to an inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle 
• Increased risk for suicidal ideation and death by suicide 
• Long-term cognitive impairment, including problems with memory and executive functions 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, it’s crucial to get professional care as soon as possible. Effective therapies and services can help those who have schizophrenia learn how to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.  

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported the following statistics and facts about schizophrenia in the United States and worldwide:  

• Schizophrenia can be severe and disabling, though the course of schizophrenia can vary from person to person. 
• The prevalence of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders in the U.S. is between .25% and .64%. 
• The international prevalence of schizophrenia among noninstitutionalized people is between .33% and .75%. 
• Schizophrenia is one of the top 15 leading causes of disability worldwide. 
• Approximately 4.9% of people who have schizophrenia die by suicide. 
• Half of the people who have schizophrenia have co-occurring behavioral health disorders. 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we provide structured care for those who are experiencing crisis-level symptoms of schizophrenia. Inpatient programming at our hospital is designed to be short-term, as our goal is to help each patient stabilize as quickly as possible so that they can return home or step down to a less intensive level of care. Stays in our inpatient programs typically last five to 13 days, though the actual length of a patient’s stay varies depending on their treatment progress. Patients who participate in our inpatient schizophrenia treatment programs can experience the following benefits: 

• Stabilization: For patients who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, stabilization can be an important first step in the healing process. Inpatient care can help our patients stabilize so that they can participate in evidence-based therapies. 
• Symptom management: Patients in our care can learn new strategies and skills for managing their symptoms.  
• Improved physical health: Receiving inpatient treatment can help patients address physical health concerns that are sometimes related to schizophrenia, such as cardiovascular problems, weight gain, and diabetes.  
• Better cognitive functioning: With effective treatment, patients’ cognitive functioning often improves, making it easier for them to make good decisions, perform daily tasks, and maintain a job.  
• Community support: When patients receive treatment at our facility, they can build camaraderie with their peers and work with compassionate staff members who provide support. 
• Reduced need for hospitalization: Patients who receive schizophrenia treatment have a reduced likelihood of hospitalization because they are better able to manage their symptoms by using effective coping strategies and medications.  
• Better relationships: As a result of treatment, patients are often able to better maintain their relationships with loved ones. 
• Improved quality of life: By lessening the impact of symptoms on their lives, schizophrenia treatment can lead to an overall enhanced quality of life for our patients.  

Before participating in our inpatient programming, each patient completes a thorough evaluation that gives us insight into their unique needs. The information we gather during the evaluation helps our team create a personalized treatment plan for each of our patients. At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, a patient’s treatment plan may include: 

• Basic medical care: Our team of physicians and nurses can provide basic medical care for patients on a case-by-case basis.  
• Medication management services: If our team prescribes medication as part of a patient’s treatment plan, the patient can receive medication management services from our licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.  
• Group therapy: Group therapy is a significant part of programming at our Arizona inpatient treatment center. Patients can take part in group therapy sessions four times daily. Licensed therapists lead these sessions, which give patients the chance to learn about topics like coping strategies, communication skills, and medications used to treat mental health concerns. 

Our experienced counselors use evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help our patients achieve their therapeutic goals. CBT and DBT can help people identify and change negative thought and behavioral habits that may be impacting their ability to heal. We believe that when patients learn and use effective coping strategies, they can live happier, healthier lives. 

Our well-trained professionals are committed to providing clinically excellent care for our patients. Our team includes psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed professional counselors, and behavioral health specialists. Together, we work with each patient to understand their therapeutic needs so that we can provide a tailored experience for them. Throughout a person’s stay at our schizophrenia treatment center, we monitor their progress and, if necessary, adjust their treatment plan to make sure that they are getting the support they need to make life-changing improvements. 

Receiving inpatient schizophrenia treatment can help patients stabilize, learn new coping strategies, and gain more self-confidence. However, inpatient care is only one part of a person’s healing journey. For this reason, we provide a thorough aftercare plan for each patient. This plan can include a referral to a lower level of care, such as a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program, as well as recommendations for resources that are available in the patient’s community.  

If you have any questions about our programming, or if you would like to begin the admissions process, please reach out to our admissions team. Someone from our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you complete a free initial screening.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital.