Monthly Archives: January 2023

Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia

Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia: What’s the Link?

Exploring the link between childhood trauma and schizophrenia brings up multiple topics. Here, we will consider what childhood trauma may look like and how it can influence a person’s brain functioning as they get older—particularly where schizophrenia is concerned. Then we will answer the question: what now?

Describing Schizophrenia

The simplest definition of schizophrenia would be a “split mind.” But might not help much.  here’s what a “split mind” could look like.

Your friend David goes to college and has always been outgoing, friendly, and gotten along with friends and family.

Bur recently, what seems like out of nowhere, he started hearing voices in his head. He became paranoid. He started thinking the professors at school are plotting together to make him fail. He even thinks people are following him around to get info on him.

These symptoms make it tough for him to know what’s real. He stops going to parties. He hermits up in his room. It’s like there’s a split in his mind, with one side experiencing the world as it is and the other side being consumed by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. This split mind makes it difficult for David to function in his everyday life.

Technically speaking schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and abnormal motor behavior.

How did this happen?

What Causes Schizophrenia?

Medical professionals are hesitant to point to a single reason a person develops schizophrenia. But some of the possible origins include genetic, brain chemistry, brain structure, and environmental causes. When looking at childhood trauma and its connection to mental health, it’s the last one we’re talking about: environmental factors.

Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia

There are quite a few circumstances and situations that can be considered childhood trauma. But remember, trauma is personal—and even subjective to a degree. Trauma can have many faces. But, without getting into details, here are a few examples of what most would agree fall into the category of trauma in early childhood.

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse (being repeatedly criticized, belittled, or ignored by a caregiver or other adult)
  • Neglect (denied basic needs)
  • Domestic violence (seeing it happen)
  • Bullying
  • Experiencing natural disasters
  • Losing a parent or loved one

What’s the Link?

When a child experiences trauma, the body’s stress response system is on overdrive. It goes into action releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When the stress response is activated repeatedly or over a prolonged period, it can cause changes in the brain. This might mean even reducing the size of certain parts of the brain which will change the balance of neurotransmitters. These changes could lead to difficulties with memory, learning, and emotional regulation.

It’s these changes in the brain that we would consider “caused by environmental factors.” But again, it’s not a math equation. Childhood trauma does not necessarily mean schizophrenia will develop.

That said, if both are present in a person’s history and present experience, the link should be explored and treated if possible.

How Do We Treat Childhood Trauma Induced Schizophrenia?

The first step is talking to someone. There are experts available that can help. This may include a personal doctor or someone from a mental health treatment center like Lido Wellness Center. Once that is done, the person will be advised on their next steps for treatment.

This will likely include:

Schizophrenia Medication

Antipsychotic meds (Thorazine, Prolixin, Zyprexa, etc.) help to reduce the symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. Antidepressant or mood stabilizer medication may also be used to help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders.

Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

The next step will be therapy or mental health treatment. At Lido Wellness Center, we offer an PHP, IOP, and Outpatient model of treatment which offers a more intensive approach to treatment. But any childhood trauma schizophrenia should include these modalities:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that helps individuals to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
  • Family therapy: Family therapy focuses on families understanding and coping with the illness. It will likely help to improve communication and reduce stress within the family.
  • Group therapy: Groups allow people with schizophrenia to connect with others who are experiencing similar problems and learn from one another.
  • Trauma-focused therapy: This approach can be particularly effective for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma.

It can include different forms of therapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which can help individuals process and come to terms with their traumatic experiences.

Are you looking for help with childhood trauma induced schizophrenia? Or dealing with any other aspect of trauma or mental health? Our team is available to answer your questions. We can help you understand the steps that are most appropriate for you and your unique circumstance.

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Do I have OCD? Or just wash my hands too much?

Do I Have OCD?

It’s more than just washing your hands three times a day. It’s more than wanting to make sure your shirts are neatly lined up in your closet. It’s more than mantras and prayers to get you through the day.

But some of these things might be signs or symptoms of what is commonly called OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform.

And yeah, everyone gets a little obsessive and compulsive from time to time. But the difference is in the rigidity. The difference is in how much these actions interfere with your everyday life and ability to function. That is when it crosses and may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder.

If you are wondering, “Do I have OCD?” Here are some definitions, symptoms, and an OCD quiz to help you determine if you should get more help with a diagnosis.

Do I have OCD: Obsessions

Let’s start with the “O” of OCD. It stands for obsessive. Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or images that are intrusive and can mess with your day through distress or anxiety.

These thoughts are often irrational or exaggerated, and the person with OCD may try to ignore or suppress them.

Common Obsessions

  1. Fear of contamination: Obsessive thoughts about germs, dirt, or other contaminants, and a need to clean or avoid them. This might cause excessive hand-washing, avoiding touching certain objects or surfaces, and avoiding public places.
  2. Symmetry and order: A need for things to be arranged in a particular way or for symmetry to be maintained. This might mean arranging objects in a precise way, becoming stressed out if objects are not symmetrical or ordered in a specific way, and spending significant effort organizing their environment.
  3. Unwanted sexual or aggressive thoughts: Obsessive thoughts about sexual acts or violence that the person finds disturbing.
  4. Relationship-related obsessions: Obsessive thoughts about the fidelity or loyalty of a partner, or doubts about one’s own feelings towards a partner.
  5. Excessive concern with religious or moral issues: Obsessive thoughts about sin, blasphemy, or the need to follow certain religious practices.
  6. Superstitious beliefs: Obsessive thoughts that certain actions or events will bring about good or bad luck.

Remember, these are just a few examples. Obsessions can vary widely from person to person and will likely be specific to each individual. A

Do I have OCD: Compulsions

The “C” in OCD represents compulsive. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. And by “feels driven” we mean this is a very rigid internal need that must be met.

Some common types of compulsions include:

  1. Hand washing: Excessive hand washing, even to the point that hands become raw, in an attempt to reduce anxiety about contamination. This
  2. Checking: Repeatedly checking things (e.g., locks, appliances, or the safety of loved ones).
  3. Counting: Repeatedly counting objects or performing certain actions a specific number of times.
  4. Arranging or organizing: Needing to arrange objects in a specific way or to have them organized in a particular order.
  5. Seeking reassurance: Seeking constant reassurance from others about one’s own thoughts or actions.
  6. Mental compulsions: Mental acts such as silently repeating a phrase, mantra, or prayer.

OCD can be a debilitating condition that can interfere with a person’s daily life and relationships. However, with appropriate treatment, most people with OCD are able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

When Has It Become OCD?

It is normal to have occasional obsessive thoughts or to engage in certain routines and habits. However, if these thoughts and behaviors become frequent, intense, and interfere with your daily life, OCD might be a possibility. Let’s break that down a little further.

Amount of time

You spend a significant amount of time on your thoughts and behaviors. If you find that you are spending hours each day on obsessive thoughts or rituals, this may be a sign of OCD.

Causing distress

If your obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors are causing you significant distress or are interfering with your ability to function in daily life, you may have OCD.

Tried to stop

You have tried to stop or reduce your thoughts and behaviors but have been unable to do so.

Do I Have OCD Quiz

Here is a simple quiz that may help you assess whether you have symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):

  1. Do you have recurring thoughts or urges that you find distressing or hard to ignore?
  2. Do you engage in repetitive behaviors or rituals in order to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening?
  3. Do these thoughts and behaviors take up a significant amount of time and interfere with your daily life?
  4. Have you tried to stop or reduce these thoughts and behaviors, but found it difficult to do so?
  5. Do these thoughts and behaviors cause you significant distress or impairment in your daily life?
  6. Have you had these symptoms for at least six months?

If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, you may have symptoms of OCD.

Of course, this is not a medical diagnosis. The best thing to do is call a mental health professional.

Treating OCD in Newport Beach California

A partial hospitalization mental health program can be an effective treatment option for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This type of program typically involves intensive treatment for several hours a day, several days a week, in a structured setting. The program may include a variety of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication management.

One of the main benefits of a partial hospitalization program for OCD is that it provides a high level of support and structure while still allowing the person to live at home. This can be especially helpful for people who need more support than outpatient therapy can provide, but who are not in need of inpatient treatment.

Lido Wellness Center PHP in Newport Beach

In our partial hospitalization program in Newport Beach California, the person with OCD will work with a team of mental health professionals to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.

They will learn new coping skills and strategies to manage their OCD symptoms. By participating in a partial hospitalization program, people with OCD can make significant progress in their recovery and improve their quality of life.

Call our mental health specialists today to discovery your options in our specialized program for OCD.

 

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best anxiety treatment centers near me in Newport Beach

Best Anxiety Treatment Centers Near Me

Listed among the best anxiety treatment centers near me, LIDO Wellness Center has helped numerous patients with trauma and PTSD attain a safe and speedy recovery with an integrated and evidence-based approach. Here are a few qualities that make us the best treatment center in Orange County:

We Offer Multiple Level Of Care

We offer three levels of mental health care programs – PHP, IOP, and Outpatient treatment. You can choose the treatment program that best caters to your mental health needs. Our psychiatric treatment programs are highly effective and can help you begin on a liberating journey towards a better and brighter tomorrow.

We Use Evidence-Based Treatments

Our treatment facility believes in using a science-based approach to help patients diagnosed with mental illnesses. We use psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic experiencing, dialectical behavioral therapy, etc., to address mental and behavioral disorders.

We Provide Ongoing Support 

Our relationship with our clients does not end the day they leave our treatment facility after PTSD and trauma treatment. We offer the best ongoing care programs to help our clients stay mentally healthy in the long term.

Specialized Treatment Facility

We are one of the specialized trauma and PTSD treatment centers. Joining us can help you achieve a safe, speedy, and sustainable recovery from your traumatic life events and tormenting memories.

High Success Rate

Our PTSD treatment in Orange County has a high success rate, and over 95% of our alumni clients lead a healthy, happy, and successful life after attending therapy from us. Our success rate and high rating on Google vouch for the efficacy of our staff and the psychotherapies we offer.

A Focus On Underlying Issues

A mental health issue often arises from an underlying trauma or memory. Our PTSD treatment program aims to identify your mental health’s triggering factors and addresses them via evidence-based therapies and counseling.

1-on-1 Therapies

While group therapy programs are great, they might not work as a standalone treatment. Our therapists meet with our clients on a 1-on-1 basis and conduct individual therapy for several hours. These therapy sessions allow our clients to let go of their shields and confide their deepest insecurities with our psychiatrists and mental health experts. Our clinical staff then offers appropriate suggestions, therapies, and lifestyle recommendations to help clients overcome their shortcomings.

Customized Treatment Approach

Unlike other trauma treatment facilities, we use a customized recovery approach to help patients. Our staff conducts a comprehensive physical and mental health exam on our patients upon onboarding and creates a tailored recovery blueprint. We set wellness goals and use the personalized treatment plan as a yardstick to measure our patients’ progress in recovery.

Experienced Staff

We are a team of experienced clinicians and behavioral therapists committed to helping individuals overcome their psychiatric shortcomings and lead a healthy life. Our clinical staff is some of the most talented specialists in Orange County dedicated to the well-being of their patients. With several years of experience and ongoing education, our behavioral therapists and psychiatrists offer the best care and support to patients battling mental disorders.

Your search for the top-rated anxiety treatment centers near me ends here. Call LIDO Wellness Center at 949-541-8466 to sign up for treatment with us. Our dedicated and friendly staff can guide you toward your wellness goals and help you attain holistic recovery from your mental disorders.

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