Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment & Therapy in Detroit, Michigan

Learn more about schizoaffective disorder treatment at StoneCrest Center in Detroit, MI

Schizoaffective disorder is a serious, chronic mental illness that causes a person to experience symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder. Individuals who suffer from schizoaffective disorder will face things such hallucinations and delusions, similar to those experienced by people with schizophrenia, and extreme mood disturbances, similar to those experienced by people who have bipolar disorder. The severity of these symptoms, along with the fluctuation of their onset, can lead those with schizoaffective disorder to struggle with functioning appropriately on a daily basis. Their ability to perform adequately at work or school can become tainted, their interpersonal relationships may become disturbed, and their overall quality of life can deteriorate. While the symptoms and effects of schizoaffective disorder can be debilitating and devastating, there is help available. The staff at StoneCrest wants to help you learn how to fight back against your symptoms and regain control of your life.

StoneCrest Center is a 133-bed acute psychiatric inpatient treatment center for adolescents, adults, and senior adults who are in need of specialized behavioral healthcare services. With a vision to remain an ever-improving care center, we strive to redefine the way that mental health treatment is delivered. By focusing on reintegrating patients back into the community by increasing problem-solving skills, communication skills, coping abilities, and enhancing their self-esteem, our compassionate staff is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for those who entrust us with their care. With our state-of-the-art sensory room, we are the only treatment center in the state that is also able to provide specialized services for individuals with developmental disabilities. If you are fighting a battle against the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, the staff at StoneCrest wants to show you that this illness does not have to define your life; we want to help you move forward towards living the happy, healthy life you deserve to live.

Helping a loved one or family member get treatment for schizoaffective disorder

The symptoms that may be displayed by someone with schizoaffective disorder can be confusing, and sometimes even frightening, to those around him or her. You may be watching as your loved one’s personality seems to change and strange behaviors become present. If you have noticed such changes in your loved one, but are unsure as to whether or not the changes are indicative of the presence of schizoaffective disorder, here are some signs to look out for that may help you identify whether or not your loved one is suffering from this illness:

• Experiencing hallucinations and delusions
• Displaying drastic mood swings / alternating between extreme emotional highs and lows
• No longer participating in activities once enjoyed
• No longer showing interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• No longer engaging in social situations
• Lacking emotional expression
• Disorganized speech or not speaking at all
• Disorganized behaviors and movements
• Catatonia
• Using substances
• Participating in self-harming behaviors
• Verbalizing thoughts of suicide
• Attempting suicide

If your family member or loved one has displayed any, or all, of these symptoms, then it is imperative that he or she receive professional help. With the implementation of appropriate treatment, people with schizoaffective disorder can learn to cope with and manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. When left untreated, however, the symptoms are likely to continuously worsen and the long-term effects can be devastating.

Why consider treatment for schizoaffective disorder at StoneCrest Center in Detroit, MI

Due to the fact that the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can closely resemble symptoms of other mental illnesses, it is frequently misdiagnosed. Therefore, it is imperative that all symptoms be reported to a mental health professional so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatments can be implemented. Some individuals will predominantly experience mood disorder symptoms, while others will predominantly experience those more closely resembling schizophrenia. Yet, despite which symptoms are plaguing an individual, all will continue to negatively impact a person’s life when left unaddressed and untreated.

When someone is suffering from schizoaffective disorder, entering into an inpatient treatment program can be one of the most beneficial ways for him or her to receive the thorough treatment that he or she needs. In this setting, people have access to mental health professionals 24/7 who can help monitor their symptoms and work towards finding ways of alleviating those symptoms. Not only does this help in making an accurate diagnosis, but it also works towards guiding individuals as they learn to cope with their symptoms and develop the skills they need in order to return to a healthy state of functioning. Through the combination of various forms of therapeutic interventions, the implementation of medication, and the support of therapists, doctors, and other mental health professionals, individuals with schizoaffective disorder can reclaim their lives and start walking down the path to a brighter future.

StoneCrest Center philosophy and benefits

At StoneCrest Center, we strive to set ourselves apart from other mental health treatment centers by offering superior individualized care that improves the quality of life for our patients, while also providing a reliable resource for the community. We believe that our values are what truly make us stand out. We treat each other like family and we empathize with and support the families who have a loved one who is struggling with mental illness. We diligently work at maintaining our position as a leader in creating distinct, effective mental health disease management through our partnerships with physicians and other clinical professionals, through the application of technology, and, most importantly, through the extension of services from our hospital to the home. At StoneCrest, we remain steadfast in preventing, supporting, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions, providing patients with a safe place to turn in their time of need.

Types of schizoaffective disorder treatment offered at StoneCrest Center

The fully trained and qualified staff at StoneCrest uses a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, coordinating care amongst our in-house psychiatrists, nurses, socials workers, and activity therapists. By implementing a case management model that focuses on person-centered planning, each patient works with a therapist who serves as the patient’s coordinator and advocate during his or her stay. These therapists guide patients through the treatment process while establishing a therapeutic relationship as they help them work towards achieving their identified treatment goals. Our treatment programs are created to meet the needs of each patient as a whole in order to ensure that all needs are being addressed and coordinated while in our care. Some of the treatment methods used in our programs may include:

Medication management: A major aspect of appropriately and thoroughly treating schizoaffective disorder comes in the form of psychotropic medications. All patients see a doctor on a regular basis and meet with a psychiatrist daily in order to ensure the effectiveness of any medication that is prescribed and to make any changes that may be necessary.

Group therapy: Group therapy plays a major role in the treatment process here at StoneCrest. Multiple groups are held on a daily basis and cover topics such as goal-setting, anger management, social skills, support systems, and educational meetings.

Family therapy: At StoneCrest, we believe that family involvement is crucial in helping our patients be successful in the treatment process. In addition to ensuring that family members are an active part of the therapeutic process, we also educate our patients’ families in order to help them understand what their loved ones are experiencing and discover ways that will help them cope with emotional difficulties that may arise in the future.

Depending on the specific needs of each patient, additional methods of treatment may be used, including:

• Expressive arts
• Individual therapy
• Therapeutic recreation
• Sensory room interventions

Continuing care and levels of treatment for schizoaffective disorder

When patients have completed the inpatient program at StoneCrest, they will meet with their social worker who will facilitate discharge planning. Our social workers will coordinate appropriate aftercare support, ensure placement or housing when necessary, and schedule any pertinent follow-up appointments with community agencies.