Schizophrenia Treatment is Available
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and impaired daily functioning. While there is no cure, schizophrenia treatment options can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Common Schizophrenia Treatment Options
Antipsychotic Medication
Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment in order to prevent recurrence and improve outcomes. Antipsychotic medication is often the foundation of treatment and the goal is to decrease the frequency and intensity of psychosis symptoms at the lowest possible dosage. A trained psychiatrist will work with the patient to figure out which medication is best suited for their goals and treatment needs. They may prescribe a daily pill or a monthly injectable medication.
There are side-effects of these medications which can include dry mouth, weight gain, drowsiness or restlessness. Some of these side effects may resolve over time and others may be a long term trade off of managing symptoms and improving life function.
Sometimes other medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be prescribed in conjunction with antipsychotic medication in order to improve other symptoms. The process of finding the right medication in the right dosage may take some time, but the benefits to symptom reduction and long term function are worth the process.
Psychosocial Treatments
Improving daily function is a major goal of schizophrenia treatment. Psychosocial treatments are often combined with medications to increase functioning. These types of treatments help those with schizophrenia in goal setting, finding solutions to daily challenges and managing their symptoms as they go about living their lives. Those individuals who participate in these psychosocial treatments have a lower likelihood of hospitalization and recurrence of symptoms.
These treatments can be in the form of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive employment or vocational rehabilitation, social skills training, family therapy, cognitive remediation interventions and behavioral skills training. These psychotherapeutic supports are also helpful in managing secondary symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia or depression.
Often this treatment approach will be done in consultation with a social worker, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, occupational therapist and/or other support workers so everyone is on the same page when it comes to setting and achieving schizophrenia treatment goals.
Support and Education
It's important to have a support system that understands schizophrenia. Knowing how to care for your needs, or the needs of a loved one, will improve overall relationships.
There are programs and support groups that are available for friends and family members to participate in as one prong in schizophrenia treatment, for the person and themselves are caregivers or those who love them.
Emerging Treatments
New treatments are always being discovered. Some emerging options to speak to a healthcare provider include:
- Cognitive remediation therapy. This focuses on improving cognitive deficits such as memory, attention and problem-solving.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This treatment is a non-invasive technique using magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, currently being explored for schizophrenia.
- Digital and mobile health tools. There are apps and wearable devices help monitor symptoms and medication adherence.
Hospitalization
In severe cases, inpatient care may be necessary to stabilize acute psychotic episodes, ensure safety and adjust treatment plans. If you or a loved one are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek help immediately.
By combining these approaches under professional guidance, individuals with schizophrenia can achieve symptom management, maintain independence and improve their quality of life. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to treatment plans are essential for long-term success.