Compassionate Schizophrenia Treatment in Malaysia

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that can cause young people to have unusual thoughts and feelings, often making it difficult to distinguish between reality and what’s imagined. Though we don’t yet have an exact understanding of how or why this condition comes about, we know that schizophrenia affects between 0.5% and 1% of the global population.

The onset of schizophrenia is often in late adolescence, meaning those with the condition are likely to begin experiencing their first symptoms in their teens or early twenties. Young people who are showing early signs of schizophrenia will likely experience hallucinations or delusions, find it difficult to communicate or function around others and struggle to remember things or to speak with the fluency they once found quite natural. Considering the emotional and psychological complexity of the years between childhood and adolescence, the development of these symptoms can be especially challenging and alarming, both for those experiencing them and their loved ones.

At The Wave, we know just how difficult it can be to watch a loved one struggle with schizophrenia. At times their behaviour can seem alarming and scary, especially if they’re seeing or hearing something that’s not there. It’s important to remember that this isn’t their fault – they’re not doing this to act out or get attention.

Although there is no cure for the disorder, symptoms can be treated with a combination of medication, various therapies, and ongoing support. With an ongoing treatment plan, a young person experiencing this condition can go on to lead a fulfilling life.

We are here to help

The Wave Schizophrenia Admissions Team can be contacted on:

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Wave Clinic: Specialists in Schizophrenia
+60 327 271 799 (General Enquiries)
+60 125 227 734 (Admissions)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Wave International Group LLC
+971 438 354 01

What Is It and How Does It Work?

Treatment for Schizophrenia

When it comes to treating schizophrenia, long-term residential treatment is usually recommended. New research is being published every year which helps us understand how this condition develops; we know that schizophrenia is associated with the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for cognitive ability, working memory, and thought organisation. This relationship is likely the reason schizophrenia causes such frightening hallucinations and lapses in memory, as well as the frustrating impairments to verbal ability.

At The Wave, we take a research-informed approach to treatment which recognises that the best way to address the overwhelming nature of these symptoms is through a long-term programme where young people can take the time and space to understand what is happening to them in a safe environment, and then proceed to build strategies with the constant support of compassionate professionals and peers.

Due to the nature of schizophrenia, young people often arrive at The Wave confused, afraid, and separated from reality. Their condition may also make them reluctant to accept treatment. Though many young people who enter our centre complete treatment in our main house, we can offer high-intensity programmes in a secure environment away from the hustle and bustle of the main programmes if needed.

We understand this can be daunting, especially since they’re moving to another country. They might feel scared, lonely, or worried about getting homesick, but we’re here to help guide them every step of the way and provide them with the support they need to flourish and build relationships.

Laying the groundwork for a bright life after recovery

The Seven Core Elements of Treatment

At The Wave, our programmes feature seven elements to nurture teenagers and young people in all areas of their personal development and assist them in creating a bright future. Our treatment uses all seven elements to provide teens and young people with an environment to physically and psychologically recover, learning the skills needed to help them on their journey. Each of the seven elements will help young people rebuild their confidence and independence, equipping them with a firm education and opportunities to give back.

The seven elements include:

Schizophrenia  often impacts relationships and the way young people are viewed by their peers. They might find it difficult to forge new friendships or interact with others. A lot of misinformation is often spread about Schizophrenia, so part of our treatment approach will work towards shedding those myths and arming them with proper information about their condition. Working closely with a team of psychotherapists, young people will come to better understand their disorder and that no one is to blame, especially not themselves. 

Some of our clinical treatment options include:

  • Family therapy
  • One-to-one therapy
  • Expressive arts therapy
  • Somatic therapy 
  • Self-love techniques
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Group therapy

Helping every person develop a sense of self-awareness, our clinical approach aims to give young people the tools needed to navigate the challenges of Schizophrenia in daily life.

For young people with schizophrenia, medical treatment is an essential component of recovery. At The Wave, we assess each person’s medical needs before prescribing any medication. In some instances, young people might need intense medical intervention to manage their initial symptoms, especially if they arrive during a psychotic episode. Many people suffering from schizophrenia benefit from taking antipsychotic medication such as Clozapine. Other medications could include mood stabilisers or antidepressants.  

Our team of experts will be on hand to provide 24/7 medical treatment and observations if necessary. Constant assessments and evaluations will also be made to ensure that young people have the care and support they need at all times.

We firmly believe that no young person should be left behind, and that’s why one of our seven elements is education. Schizophrenia can make it difficult for young people to focus and concentrate properly at school, having a run-on effect on their studies and ability to forge new relationships. It doesn’t have to be this way though. With an ongoing treatment plan, there’s no reason young people shouldn’t be able to work towards a bright future.

 Every young person has so much ahead of them, and we’re here to help them see their potential and realise their dreams. Alongside therapy and medical treatment, we provide a range of educational opportunities designed to bolster a young person’s confidence and skills for life outside of our clinic. Whatever their dream is, we’re here to help arm them with the tools needed to achieve it.

Some of the educational pathways we offer include:

  • International GAP-year experiences
  • Continuation of GCSEs and A-Levels
  • Vocational courses (London School of Art, Royal Horticultural Society, Leith’s School of Cookery, and The British Horse Society)

Each young person will have their own personal learning plan (PLP) to help them stick to their goals and set the foundations for a solid future. 

A core part of our treatment approach, the global citizen programme is all about pushing young people to take action and heal while actively contributing and helping others in the community. While therapy, talking, and support are key to managing schizophrenia, it’s just as important that those suffering from the disorder get a chance to give back and learn how to work with their peers to develop meaningful and positive change. 

Often, young people with schizophrenia are put at the center of their family life – for treatment, for therapy, and for medication management. While this is needed, it can also sometimes make them feel like there’s always a spotlight on them and that they are always ‘in need’ of help. With our global citizenship programme, the tables are turned slightly and all young people are given a chance to help out in the local community and impact others in a positive way through their actions.

Schizophrenia can also often make it difficult for young people to look outside of themselves and have a sense of self-awareness. With our global citizenship program, they’ll not only learn how to develop friendships and greater self-awareness, but they’ll also learn valuable skills like teamwork and the importance of helping others.

Schizophrenia is a complex illness that responds well to a combined approach in therapeutic activities, which is why we provide many activities that nourish the body and mind. From indoor skydiving and quad biking to yoga and dance therapy, there is something for everyone.

With our outside-inside approach, young people have the opportunity to grow and develop a bank of skills that can be used in their future. All these strategies can be used in times of stress, helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms if they’re ever feeling stressed or under pressure. Schizophrenia can often have a knock-on effect on personal health and wellbeing, causing some things to be left on the backburner. Our global citizenship program will help set young people up with healthy habits that can be used for life.

 Cultivating a strong team spirit, sense of accomplishment, and fun into our treatment programmes is what sets our approach apart from others. We don’t just focus on medical and clinical treatment – we’re also keen to get our young people involved in fun challenges and experiences that will empower them and help them learn new life skills.

That’s why one of our seven core elements is experiences. All young people have the chance to take part in a range of experiences and exciting adventures, including:

  • Dance and drama productions
  • Fashion design 
  • Batik painting
  • Pottery
  • Horse riding
  • Jungle adventures
  • Orienteering
  • Rock climbing

Schizophrenia can often impact relationships and the way a young person approaches life. That’s why our ‘experiences’ element is designed to help bolster their confidence to try new things and give them a chance to develop team-building skills. These are all things they can take with them into their life after recovery, setting a solid foundation for a fulfilling life.

Addiction doesn’t have to rob a young person of their potential. They’ve got so much ahead of them, and we’re keen to help them realise their dreams and ambitions, giving them the tools and resources to set the cogs into motion. 

Our dedicated care team works with each young person to develop an ongoing plan that will help ease them back into everyday life and transition healthily. We know that leaving behind the security and familiarity of treatment can be a little daunting, but we’re here to help each young person develop a set of goals and plans to work towards their future with confidence.

Having some kind of purpose when they leave our clinic will help set them up for their future and limit the chances of them returning to old habits. With a renewed sense of hope and inspiration, they’ll be more likely to stick to their goals and go on to lead a fulfilling life.

“I came to The Wave about 2 ½ years ago, and I can’t speak highly enough about their service, support, and love I received (and still do) from the team. They have helped me build stable foundations for a life that now feels worth living. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their amazing help, and I am lucky enough to call them my family.”

Schizophrenia Treatment Options

Recovering from Schizophrenia

We offer a range of therapies and treatments for schizophrenia in our bespoke, highly effective, and compassionate programmes including:

Group Therapy

Providing an opportunity for young people to work on their interpersonal skills, group therapy plays an important role in recovery and is an effective treatment for those with schizophrenia. Through group discussions, young people at The Wave have the opportunity to talk about their experiences and listen to others. Not only does this help them understand their condition better, but it provides insight into how to avoid certain triggers.

As schizophrenia can be an isolating experience, group therapy is also a place for those in our care to connect with other young people suffering from similar conditions. Here, young people can develop bonds and a sense of community in a safe setting. Group therapy can also provide inspiration and hope as young people see peers further in recovery.

One-to-One Therapy

Teenagers and young people diagnosed with schizophrenia benefit from intensive psychotherapy, which is featured in their weekly schedule. This particular treatment helps those in our care understand their symptoms, understand their course of treatment, and how to manage underlying issues.

Though one-to-one therapy can seem daunting to young people, it provides them with a space where they feel heard and supported. It also equips them with the mindset needed for long-term recovery and enables them to work through any other existing mental health issues. During a young person’s stay in our centre, therapy plans are regularly reviewed and are fully flexible to provide the right care at every step in their recovery.

Family Therapy

At The Wave, we understand that schizophrenia doesn’t just affect the young person suffering; it affects the whole family. Though admitting a young person for treatment can be daunting, doing so is in their best interest. At The Wave, we aim to put family members at ease throughout the duration of treatment by working with them and providing them with regular updates.

In addition, we offer family therapy which enables many families to understand what a young person living with schizophrenia is going through. Family therapy also provides a safe space for families to explore their concerns and emotions. During this stage of treatment, we guide families and help them support the young person in their treatment and recovery journey.

Frequently asked questions

Schizophrenia FAQ's

Although schizophrenia is rare in childhood, it is more common in teens and young people. It usually appears between 15 and 30 and sometimes from as young as 12

The exact causes of schizophrenia are still unknown. However, researchers have suggested that the development of schizophrenia may be genetic. For example, young people are 40% more likely to suffer from the disorder if both of their parents have the condition. 

Environmental links to schizophrenia have also been found in maternal malnutrition, preeclampsia, and emergency deliveries. Other possible risks include childhood trauma and cannabis use.

It is important for young people struggling with schizophrenia to understand that it is not their fault.

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder that cannot be cured, but with the right treatment, support, and medication, you can go on to live a fullfling life. Just because a young person has schizophrenia, doesn’t mean they can’t follow their dreams, hopes and ambitions – that’s why we provide a range of volunteering and educational opportunities to help everyone build the kind of future they want.

Professional associations and memberships

We are here to help

Have any questions or want to get started with the admissions process? Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    London, United Kingdom