Schizophrenia is a severe brain condition that causes an individual to interpret reality abnormally. Individuals with schizophrenia are often unaware that their strange thoughts are due to a mental condition or even that their thoughts are strange. Consequently, family and friends often need to take the initiative to get them help. You should immediately get professional help if your loved one shows any signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia symptoms start appearing in men in early to mid-20’s whereas in women they generally start in the late 20’s. Children and or people over 45 years old are rarely diagnosed with schizophrenia. The condition entails a variety of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems, although the signs and symptoms may differ.
Patient’s whose symptoms have been successfully managed, still need constant schizophrenia treatment. Schizophrenia treatment that combines both medications and also psychological therapy can effectively help in the management of the condition. Severe symptoms mean that specialized medical attention at a medical center may be crucial to guarantee proper nutrition, safety, basic hygiene, and adequate sleep.
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An experienced psychiatrist usually leads a patient’s treatment team. Other possible members of the treatment team may include a psychiatric nurse, psychologist, social worker, and also possibly a case manager.
Medications
Schizophrenia treatment is dependent most of all, on medication. Unfortunately, people experiencing schizophrenia might show reluctance to start taking schizophrenia medications because, while uncommon, it is possible for them to cause severe, adverse effects.
To treat schizophrenia, psychiatrists almost always prescribe antipsychotic medications. These medications exert their influence on the brain’s neurotransmitters, serotonin, and also dopamine levels.
Readiness to begin and stick to treatment may influence the choice of medication. Patients who dislike taking medications regularly may have to be administered with injections rather than a pill prescription. Patients who show agitation may require being initially administered with a calming benzodiazepine like lorazepam (Ativan), which can be co-administered with an antipsychotic.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics are highly recommended because when compared to conventional medications, their use poses fewer risks of causing severe side effects. They are:
- Asenapine (Saphris)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- (Clozaril)
- Paliperidone (Invega)
- Lurasidone (Latuda)
- ()
- Iloperidone (Fanapt)
- (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
When your doctor prescribes any schizophrenia medication for you or your loved ones, ensure that you ask them about the benefits and side effects of the medication.
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Conventional Antipsychotics
The use of these first-generation medications in treating schizophrenia can expose patients to frequent and also significant neurological adverse effects. Movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia), an irreversible side effect may occur. Medications that fall in this class include:
- Fluphenazine
- Chlorpromazine
- (Haldol)
These antipsychotics are cheaper compared to the newer medications particularly the generic versions. The price may be an especially relevant factor to consider if treatment is set to be long-term.
When a patient has begun schizophrenia treatment, it may take several weeks to see improvements in the symptoms. The main aim of using antipsychotic medications is to ensure that signs and symptoms are managed effectively with the minimum possible dosage. At times, a psychiatrist will administer different medications at different combinations or doses to accomplish the desired results. Other medications can be useful such as anti-anxiety and antidepressants medications.
Psychosocial Interventions
Patients’ with a controlled condition still need continued administration of schizophrenia medications and also psychological and psychosocial interventions. These interventions will include:
- Individual therapy – Individual therapy is crucial in assisting the patient to learn stress management and to recognize early warning signs of a relapse.
- Family therapy – This therapy offers support and information to the patient’s family.
- Social skills training – This training seeks to help the patient improve their communication and social relations.
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment aid – This helps the patient to prepare for, find, and retain jobs.
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The majority of schizophrenia patients need constant support in their daily life due to the permanency of the condition. Various communities have initiated programs to assist individuals with schizophrenia to manage crisis situations, and get jobs, homes and also to join self-help groups. When proper schizophrenia treatment is administered, the majority of patients are able to manage their condition effectively.
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