How We Treat
Specialized treatment, tailored for youth
Schizophrenia manifests differently at various life stages. Our providers work closely with you or your child to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on overall well-being.
Self Scheduling
Available to all patients, providing greater flexibility and convenience without the need to make a phone call.
Virtual Appointments
Allowing our Youth-Link providers to see patients in the places where they feel safest and most comfortable.
Secure Messaging
Accessible through our patient portal, enabling patients and legal guardians to securely message their provider at any time.
Specialized Providers
Providers are assigned based on the patient’s age and their specific symptoms, ensuring specialized, tailored care for each individual.
Digital Documentation
Providing a single location for all forms to be completed and accessed. Everything is available in your patient portal.
Extended Benefits
Offering telehealth services, bringing vital mental health care to Arizona communities that lack local access to adolescent psychiatric support.
Condition
Schizophrenia
Our skilled providers collaborate closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans for schizophrenia. These plans may incorporate behavioral strategies and, when necessary, medication management. Our aim is to help individuals enhance their focus, effectively manage symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by a range of symptoms, including delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning in daily life. This condition can significantly impact an individual's ability to interact with others and manage everyday tasks.
While schizophrenia typically emerges in late adolescence to early adulthood, studies indicate that about 1% of the general population is affected by schizophrenia.
Types of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is traditionally classified into several subtypes, although the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not use these subtypes as distinct categories anymore. However, understanding the historical types can still be useful for context. Here are the primary subtypes that were previously recognized:
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Paranoid Schizophrenia: Characterized by delusions and hallucinations, often involving themes of persecution or conspiracy. Individuals may feel that they are being targeted or harassed.
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Disorganized Schizophrenia (Hebephrenic Schizophrenia): Marked by disorganized speech, behavior, and thought processes. Individuals may display inappropriate emotional responses and have difficulty with daily functioning.
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Catatonic Schizophrenia: Defined by significant motor disturbances, such as stupor, rigidity, or excessive movement. Individuals may exhibit strange postures, or may remain motionless for extended periods.
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Residual Schizophrenia: This subtype is characterized by a history of at least one episode of schizophrenia but with a lack of prominent positive symptoms. Individuals may experience diminished emotional expression and social withdrawal.
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Undifferentiated Schizophrenia: This category includes symptoms that do not clearly fit into the other types. Individuals may exhibit a mix of positive and negative symptoms.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
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Positive Symptoms
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These symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions and may include:
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Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
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Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs that are resistant to reason (e.g., paranoia or believing one has special powers).
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Disorganized Thinking: Incoherent or nonsensical speech, making it difficult to communicate effectively.
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Agitated or Disorganized Behavior: Unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses and actions.
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Negative Symptoms
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These symptoms reflect a decrease or loss of normal functions and may include:
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Affective Flattening: Reduced emotional expression, including facial expressions and voice tone.
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Avolition: Lack of motivation or initiative to engage in activities, including self-care.
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Anhedonia: Inability to experience pleasure from activities that were once enjoyable.
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Social Withdrawal: Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, leading to isolation.
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Cognitive Symptoms
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These symptoms affect memory and thinking processes and may include:
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Impaired Executive Functioning: Difficulty with planning, organizing, and decision-making.
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Attention Deficits: Trouble focusing or maintaining attention.
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Memory Problems: Difficulty recalling information or learning new things.
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How Our Service Works
Comprehensive virtual care guiding patients at every turn, why virtual care is right for you or your child
Telepsych
Psychiatry Mobile Dashboard
Secure Messaging
Telepsych
1:1 Telehealth Sessions
Schedule an appointment and access your mental health provider on any device to discuss your symptoms or treatment.
Everything In One Place
Enjoy full access to your appointments, bills, and medical documents through our online service
Comprehensive Treatment
Say goodbye to the hassle of getting the care you need. We provide a seamless and comprehensive experience for your diagnosis and treatment.
Secure Messaging
Have concerns during treatment? Reach your provider anytime with secure messaging for peace of mind.