Over 22 million people worldwide currently are diagnosed with schizophrenia. This mental disorder can be extremely debilitating for anyone – but those who do not have a stable environment and access to mental health services are particularly at risk of the issue causing harm.
Let’s talk about what paranoid schizophrenia is, how community stabilization can be beneficial if you’re experiencing an acute crisis related to this issue, and where you can go across Virginia for personalized help and treatment.
What Is Paranoid Schizophrenia?
Paranoid schizophrenia is a condition in which an individual has difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy (schizophrenia), and this is accompanied by feelings of always being watched (paranoia). Because paranoid schizophrenia is the most common type of schizophrenia, the condition is more commonly and more simply known as just “schizophrenia.”
Schizophrenia tends to affect people in stages:
In the first stage, known as onset, the individual withdraws socially, stops personal hygiene practices, and experiences heightened anxiety and lack of motivation.
This progresses into the second stage, known as active, or an acute crisis. This is characterized by a “psychotic break” from reality plus at least two of the following symptoms:
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations (sensing things that aren’t there)
- Delusions
- Incoherent speaking
- Unusual/disorganized movements
- A decrease in the person’s normally happy or satisfied disposition/behavior
The third stage is the residual stage, in which symptoms subside but don’t fully go away. A person can appear fully recovered, but they are still susceptible to further acute crises.
Treatments for an Acute Crisis of Schizophrenia
Mental health experts have not yet discovered a cure for schizophrenia, but there are treatments available. The most effective treatments are a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and self-management techniques. Specifically, a physician or psychiatrist will prescribe antipsychotics, which are medications that regulate dopamine and serotonin – brain chemicals that regulate mood and information processing, respectively.
Community Stabilization Services
Many people who experience mental illness often cannot access mental health services due to economic and/or social barriers. However, organizations that provide community stabilization services can help, in which they go out into the community and treat people where they are with the economic aid of government social programs.
Paranoid Schizophrenia Treatment in Virginia
Epic Health Partners can provide mental healthcare for individuals in the community and stabilize those who are in an acute crisis if they satisfy the following:
- Are eligible for Virginia Medicaid
- Have experienced a behavioral health crisis within the last 72 hours
- Have issues maintaining interpersonal relationships, leading to isolation
- Will experience decreased ability to function if no care is given in the following: family, school, social, work, or living situation
Through Virginia Medicaid, Epic Health Partners can provide up to 28 hours a week, and up to 7 days, of care coordination and evidence-based interventions – and up to 8 hours a day or more if clinically necessary. Individuals can access community stabilization services by self-referral, or referral from a physician’s office, family, friends, Social Services, foster care, agencies, community partners, and more.
Overall, community stabilization can be extremely beneficial if you or someone you know is experiencing an acute crisis related to paranoid schizophrenia. At Epic Health Partners, we have licensed professional therapists who are experts in going out into the community and treating individuals with a range of mental illnesses, including paranoid schizophrenia.
To arrange an appointment with us, call us today at (434) 835-4601, or schedule an appointment via our online request form here. We care deeply about everyone in our community and are dedicated to providing the highest-quality mental healthcare to those in the greatest need of it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
