Treating Schizophrenia: A Time for Hope By Laurie Sammeth, HealthAtoZ WriterSchizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that interferes with your ability to think, feel and act. It is a lifelong condition that currently has no cure. But there is good news, too. This illness is treatable and manageable. Medications, treatment programs and services can help people with this illness lead independent and fulfilling lives. Medication
The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but it may be due to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Medications help relieve symptoms by working to restore the balance. Called antipsychotics, there are two major types used to treat schizophrenia:
- Conventional antipsychotics help to control such symptoms as:
- Hallucinations (seeing, feeling, tasting, hearing or smelling things that don't exist)
- Delusions (false ideas)
- Confusion
- Disordered thinking and speech
Mild side effects from these medications include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
More serious side effects include:
- Trouble with muscle control
- Stiffness
- Facial tics
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Atypical (or "new generation") antipsychotics help control the symptoms that conventional antipsychotics do, plus they help relieve:
- Abnormal thinking
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of emotion
These drugs have fewer side effects, but some may require frequent blood tests. They can also cause weight gain and other changes that increase the risk for diabetes and high cholesterol.
Everyone responds differently to these medications. Work with your doctor to find the one that's right for you. Some symptoms may start to improve within days. Many people see significant improvement by the sixth week of treatment. The sooner in your illness that you begin treatment, the more effective it will be.
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Tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements and vitamins you take. Some may cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects when taken with these medications.
Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping your medication can cause a relapse or a severe psychotic episode.
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Rehabilitation programs
Along with medication, there are services that can help you with communication, self-care, work and relationships, including:
- Counseling. Talking with a professional therapist, by yourself or in a group, may help you and your family understand and cope better with your illness. It can also help you deal with any symptoms your medication may not eliminate.
- Case management. A case manager can help you with practical aspects of living, such as finances, transportation and finding a place to live.
- Psychosocial rehabilitation. These programs can help you gain the skills you need to work, socialize, live independently and manage stress.
- Self-help groups. Meeting with others who share your illness can provide you with information and ongoing support.
- Housing programs. These offer a range of services from 24-hour supervised living to drop-in support on an as-needed basis.
- Crisis services. These provide emergency help in the form of 24-hour hotlines, after-hours counseling and in-patient hospital care.
The proper treatment and support that is available today will help you meet the challenges of your disease and live a productive and satisfying life. Sources: Mental Health America. Schizophrenia: what you need to know. Accessed September 17, 2007. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Schizophrenia. Accessed September 17, 2007. National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. Accessed September 17, 2007.
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