Thought disorders
What Are Thought Disorders?
Thought disorders are a type of mental illness that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. They can affect a person’s ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and behave appropriately. These disorders can make it difficult for people to function in their daily lives and can cause significant distress or impairment.
Thought disorders can be chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment and support, but with proper care, people with thought disorders can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. If you or someone you love is struggling with a thought disorder, we encourage you to reach out for help.
Which Thought Disorders Do We Treat at Our Behavioral Health Facilities in California?
We believe that recovery from a thought disorder is possible with the right care and support. Our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care to help our clients achieve recovery, resilience, and hope.
We work closely with our clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. We also provide ongoing support and follow-up care to help our clients maintain their progress over time. At our facility, we provide comprehensive treatment for several types of thought disorders, including:
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that affects approximately 1 in 300 of the global population. It can cause a range of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and a lack of motivation.
People with schizophrenia may also experience negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal or a lack of emotional expression. Symptoms of schizophrenia typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood and can be very distressing for both the person with the illness and their loved ones.
Prodromal Schizophrenia
Prodromal schizophrenia is a condition in which a person experiences early symptoms of schizophrenia. These symptoms may include changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, and unusual behaviors. Identifying and treating prodromal schizophrenia early can help prevent the onset of full-blown schizophrenia and improve outcomes for individuals with the illness.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that combines symptoms of schizophrenia with symptoms of a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder. People with schizoaffective disorder may experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, as well as mood swings, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.
Delusional Disorder
Delusional disorder is a mental illness in which a person holds onto false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary. These beliefs can be bizarre or non-bizarre and can cause significant distress or impairment. People with delusional disorder may experience persecutory delusions, in which they believe they are being watched, followed, or harmed in some way. They may also experience grandiose delusions, in which they believe they have special powers or abilities.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a mental illness that can cause intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and significant distress or impairment. People with OCD may experience obsessions, which are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses, as well as compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are performed to reduce anxiety or prevent harm.
Common Co-Occurring Conditions for Thought Disorders
It is quite common for individuals with thought disorders to experience other mental health conditions. In fact, many people who come to our mental health treatment centers also suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders.
- Anxiety disorders: Anxiety and fear are common symptoms of many thought disorders, especially schizophrenia. Patients with anxiety disorders may experience panic attacks, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety.
- Depression: Depression can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can also lead to changes in sleep and appetite, as well as difficulty concentrating.
- Substance use disorders: Many people with thought disorders may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms or to self-medicate. Substance use disorders can further complicate the treatment of thought disorders and can lead to a range of other health problems.
- Physical conditions: Although not directly related, obesity and diabetes can become problems in addition to these conditions due to the medications used to manage mental health disorders. This can lead to a range of other health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and nerve damage.
It is important to identify and address any co-occurring disorders or medical problems for individuals with thought disorders. By taking a comprehensive approach to treatment, healthcare providers can help individuals with thought disorders achieve better outcomes and improve their overall quality of life. Get In touch with our dual-diagnosis treatment centers in California today.
Struggling with your mental health? We can help.