Schizophrenia Treatment

Schizophrenia Treatment

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that causes distorted thinking and perception.

Schizophrenia treatment typically requires a combination of therapies, tailored to the individual's symptoms and needs. Treatment typically includes both medication and psychotherapy.

Drugs For Schizophrenia Treatment

The two types of drugs most commonly used for schizophrenia treatment are:

• Antipsychotics
• "Atypical" medications

Antipsychotics and "atypical" drugs can help a person with schizophrenia control or eliminate disordered thinking, hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. However, antipsychotics used for schizophrenia treatment may have significant side effects. High potency drugs often affect muscle control and cause restlessness. Low potency drugs may lower the person’s blood pressure and result in tiredness. Side effects may include muscle spasms, stiffness, shakiness, drowsiness, faintness, dry mouth, blurred vision, sensitivity to the sun and constipation.

Changing drugs or dosages can help eliminate or reduce side effects and result in more effective schizophrenia treatment.

Antipsychotics used for schizophrenia treatment also do not typically affect all symptoms of schizophrenia. They do not affect social withdrawal, loss of interest, loss of emotional expression or lack of drive. Patients must also continue taking antipsychotic drugs as part of their schizophrenia treatment indefinitely, even after they regain control over the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Other drugs, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers are also often used in schizophrenia treatment when the patient’s mood needs to be addressed.

Psychotherapy For Schizophrenia Treatment

Psychotherapy is used to address the emotional and social issues that result from schizophrenia. Group therapy can be especially helpful as a schizophrenia treatment, because it creates opportunities for socialization for individuals with schizophrenia.

Individual therapy is also important to schizophrenia treatment, as it can help individuals protect themselves from excessive stress and can strengthen interpersonal skills.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and community programs that provide housing and employment are also believed to be important to schizophrenia treatment. Family therapy may not directly relate to schizophrenia treatment, but helping the family understand and cope with schizophrenia also helps the individual deal with this complex psychiatric disorder.

Helping Someone Find Treatment For Schizophrenia

If you recognize schizophrenia symptoms in someone you know, do something about it. Seek schizophrenia treatment immediately. For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.