Treating of schizophrenia

Contrary to what most people believe, schizophrenia is neither spilt personality, nor is it multiple personality disorder (MPD). It is a condition, caused by a group of acute brain disorders. People suffering from schizophrenia do not interpret reality in the normal way, like other people do.

This condition leads to a combination of – delusions, disordered behavior, disordered thinking and hallucinations. Over a period of time, people affected by schizophrenia gradually lose their ability to function in a normal manner and therefore, they cannot take care of themselves.

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, which requires constant and a lifelong treatment, even after its symptoms subside.

A treatment that includes medication, as well as psychosocial therapy could help control the condition to some extent.

However, during severe attacks, it may be advisable or even necessary to have the person suffering from schizophrenia hospitalized. This is mainly to ensure that such a patient is taken care of properly, by medical professionals, who will ensure the patient’s safety. The treatment is at times rendered by an entire team of people which consists of psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and a case manager. This full-team treatment will be available in units that specialize in schizophrenia treatment.

Proper medication is the most important factor in schizophrenia treatment. Usually, antipsychotic medications are prescribed, as they are supposed to bring the symptoms under control. They affect the brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. Some patients choose to take antipsychotic pills. However, for those patients who are not willing to do so, injections may be given instead. Unfortunately, these medications may have neurological side effects which may not be reversible. Newer medicines known as Atypical Antipsychotic medications are preferred as they have a lower risk of harmful side effects. However, the side effects of atypical antipsychotic medications are – high blood cholesterol, weight gain and diabetes. Other types of medications like anti-anxiety medicines and anti depressants may also be helpful. Typical antipsychotic medicines are a lot more reasonable than the new atypical antipsychotic medicines and therefore may be considered in case long-term treatment is required. After the treatment commences, it can take up to several weeks, to notice an improvement.

In the treatment of schizophrenia, psychosocial treatments play an important role too. These treatments include individual therapy, family therapy, social skills training and vocational rehab and supported employment. During the individual therapy, a schizophrenia patient is taught how to deal with their illness, using different techniques. Family therapies educate the families that are affected by schizophrenia. Training on social skills, as the name suggest, focuses on communication skills as well as social skills. Many communities help people with schizophrenia with jobs and housing, to try and enable them to lead normal lifestyles.