Psychotic Disorders Treatment in Rolling Hills Estates
Specialized care for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and related conditions
Specialized Care for Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are serious mental health conditions, but with proper treatment, many people achieve significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life. These conditions require specialized psychiatric care, ongoing medication management, and a comprehensive treatment approach.
At Breakthrough Mental Health in Rolling Hills Estates, we provide expert medication management for psychotic disorders. Led by Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP, in collaboration with Dr. Austina B. Cho, MD, our practice offers compassionate, evidence-based care for patients throughout the South Bay area.
Understanding Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are characterized by a loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t there) and delusions (fixed false beliefs). These symptoms significantly impact a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others.
Conditions We Treat
Schizophrenia
A chronic condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, diminished emotional expression, and reduced motivation. Typically emerges in late teens to early 30s.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Combines symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disorder symptoms (depression or bipolar disorder). People experience psychotic symptoms along with significant mood episodes.
Delusional Disorder
Characterized by persistent delusions without other prominent psychotic symptoms. The delusions are typically non-bizarre and could conceivably be true.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting less than one month, often triggered by severe stress.
Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Psychotic symptoms caused by substance use or withdrawal.
Symptoms Of Psychotic Disorders
Positive Symptoms (additions to normal experience)
- Hallucinations: Most commonly auditory (hearing voices), but can be visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory
- Delusions: False beliefs not based in reality (paranoia, grandiosity, reference, persecution)
- Disorganized thinking: Fragmented thoughts, tangential speech, word salad
- Disorganized or abnormal behavior: Unpredictable agitation, inappropriate responses, catatonia
Negative Symptoms (reductions in normal function)
- Diminished emotional expression (flat affect)
- Reduced motivation and ability to initiate activities (avolition)
- Decreased speech and communication (alogia)
- Inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia)
- Social withdrawal
Antipsychotic Medication Management
Antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment for psychotic disorders. They work by modulating dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking
Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics
These are typically first-line treatments due to lower risk of movement side effects:
- Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Aripiprazole (Abilify), Ziprasidone (Geodon), Paliperidone (Invega), Lurasidone (Latuda), Brexpiprazole (Rexulti), Cariprazine (Vraylar), and others
First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics
Older medications still effective for some patients:
- Haloperidol (Haldol), Perphenazine, Fluphenazine, and others
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics
For patients who prefer not to take daily oral medication or have difficulty with medication adherence, long-acting injectables provide weeks to months of medication coverage from a single injection. We can coordinate these injections as part of your treatment plan.
Our Approach To Treatment
Comprehensive Medication Management
Careful selection of antipsychotic medication based on symptoms, previous response, and side effect profile.
Regular Monitoring
Close follow-up to assess symptom improvement, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed.
Side Effect Management
Proactive monitoring and management of metabolic effects, movement disorders, and other potential side effects.
Relapse Prevention
Emphasizing medication adherence and early warning sign awareness to prevent symptom recurrence.
Coordinated Care
Working with therapists, case managers, and other providers for comprehensive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?
Schizophrenia primarily involves psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking) without prominent mood episodes. Schizoaffective disorder combines psychotic symptoms with significant mood disorder symptoms (major depression or mania). People with schizoaffective disorder have both psychotic and mood symptoms, sometimes occurring together and sometimes separately. Treatment approaches overlap but schizoaffective disorder may also require mood stabilizers or antidepressants in addition to antipsychotics.
Can antipsychotic medications cure psychotic disorders?
Antipsychotic medications don’t cure psychotic disorders, but they can significantly reduce and sometimes eliminate symptoms, allowing people to function well and have good quality of life. Most people with psychotic disorders need ongoing medication to maintain stability and prevent symptom recurrence. With proper treatment, many people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder can work, have relationships, and live independently
What are the side effects of antipsychotics?
Side effects vary by medication. Common ones include weight gain, metabolic changes (increased blood sugar or cholesterol), sedation, and movement disorders. Second-generation antipsychotics generally have lower risk of movement problems but higher risk of metabolic effects. We monitor closely for side effects with regular blood tests and physical exams, and can adjust medications if problematic side effects occur. Many side effects can be managed or minimized.
How often will I need appointments?
During initial treatment or medication changes, appointments are typically every 1-2 weeks. Once stable on medication, we may extend to monthly or every-other-month visits. The frequency depends on symptom stability, side effects, and individual needs. Consistent follow-up is important for maintaining stability and preventing relapse.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a psychotic disorder, expert psychiatric care can make a significant difference. Contact Breakthrough Mental Health today to schedule your evaluation and begin treatment.
Serving the South Bay Community
Breakthrough Mental Health provides psychotic disorders treatment to patients throughout Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, San Pedro, and surrounding South Bay communities.