Schizophrenia Treatment in Frederick, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Living with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder can feel overwhelming but you are not alone. These complex mental health conditions impact how a person thinks, feels, and connects with the world. With the right care and consistent support, individuals can achieve stability, manage symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives.
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we provide expert, individualized treatment for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Our approach combines medical management, therapy, and lifestyle planning to help each person move forward with confidence and clarity.
Both conditions affect mood, thinking, and behavior—but they are distinct:
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Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder marked by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
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Schizoaffective Disorder combines features of schizophrenia with mood disorder symptoms like depression or mania.
These conditions may disrupt work, relationships, and everyday activities, but with early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, recovery is possible.
What Are Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizophrenia Common Symptoms
Symptoms can vary in severity and presentation, but commonly include:
Psychotic Symptoms:
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Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
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Delusions (false beliefs not based in reality)
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Disorganized thinking and speech
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Unusual, erratic, or socially inappropriate behaviors
Mood-Related Symptoms (Schizoaffective Disorder):
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Depressive episodes (sadness, low energy, hopelessness)
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Manic episodes (elevated mood, impulsive behavior, decreased need for sleep)
Other Signs:
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Social withdrawal or isolation
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Trouble focusing or making decisions
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Difficulty with daily responsibilities (school, work, or hygiene)
Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to faster intervention and improved outcomes.
Schizophrenia Causes and Risk Factors
Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are caused by a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
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Genetic Predisposition: Family history increases risk.
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Brain Chemistry and Structure: Imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine and glutamate, and abnormalities in brain structure.
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Environmental Factors: Factors like prenatal malnutrition, infections, stress, traumatic events, and substance abuse.
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Psychological Stress: High-stress levels, especially during key developmental times, can trigger symptoms.
Understanding these risk factors helps us tailor preventive strategies and early support.
Our Approach to Treating Schizophrenia
Medication is often essential to reduce symptoms and prevent relapses. We provide careful medication selection and monitoring to ensure effectiveness with minimal side effects.
Therapeutic Support
Therapy helps individuals manage emotional symptoms, develop healthy routines, and build life skills.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with schizophrenia.
If you have a loved one who is in danger of attempting suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Support for a Healthier Future Starts Here
Managing schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder takes time, commitment, and the right team by your side. At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we provide respectful, science-based care for individuals across Maryland and Washington, D.C., helping them achieve better stability, connection, and independence.
We’re here to support your journey—reach out today for a consultation.