Schizophrenia Treatment Programs and Services in West Chester, PA

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that can be disabling to anyone who has it. Though it affects only about one percent of the population, the condition can have a profound impact on your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

People with schizophrenia may hear voices or have hallucinations, experience delusions and seem like they have lost touch with reality. They also may “disconnect” from life, sitting for long periods of time without moving or talking. In most cases, hallucinations and delusions start between the ages of 16 and 30. In its early stages, schizophrenia may share some of the symptoms as other forms of mental illness, including withdrawing, irritability, a change in grades or friends.

You may be more at risk for developing schizophrenia if you have a family history of the illness, but it is most likely a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some environmental factors may contribute to the causes of schizophrenia, including early exposure to some viruses, or problems during pregnancy or childbirth. But the exact cause of the condition is largely unknown.

People with schizophrenia may also have illnesses such as PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder or major depression, or they may also struggle with a substance abuse problem. Our expert medical team has years of experience treating schizophrenia alongside co-occurring conditions. Often, when one condition improves, so does the other.

At Haven Behavioral Hospital of West Chester, we customize treatment using a combination of the most advanced antipsychotic medications and psychosocial therapies, designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of troubling schizophrenia symptoms. We also understand that caring for a loved one with schizophrenia can be stressful, so we involve family members as much as possible to help ensure the best chance of long-term stability. With the proper diagnosis and compassionate care, there is hope for healing.

If you or a loved one is living with schizophrenia, call us for a comprehensive assessment at 484-835-2050. We’ll develop a plan of care that’s right for you.