How Schizophrenia Is Treated

September 17, 2019

Dr. Srikanth Reddy

#Best Psychiatrist in Indore

#Best Psychologist and De-Addiction Specialist in Indore

 

If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you might be wondering what to do next. The great news is that there are a variety of treatment options available. An essential part of this journey is to explore your options and begin treatment rapidly after diagnosis. This can help get your healing and management process going sooner than later, bringing you a sense of direction and relief.

Medications

Antipsychotic medications decrease the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, generally allowing a person to function more effectively and appropriately. Antipsychotic drugs are the best treatment for schizophrenia right now, but they don’t cure schizophrenia or ensure that there will be no further psychotic episodes.

Dosages

The choice and dosage of medication can be made only by a qualified physician who is well trained in the medical treatment of mental disorders. The dosage of medication is individualized for each patient, since people may vary a great deal in the amount of drug required to decrease symptoms without producing troublesome side effects. It is essential to be patient with yourself and your providers as you learn what works well for your personalized treatment.

Side Effects

Side effects of antipsychotic medications include:

• Tremor
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Restlessness
• Muscle spasms

Atypical Antipsychotics

The first, clozapine (Clozaril), has been shown to be more effective than other antipsychotics, although the possibility of severe side effects necessitate that patients be monitored with blood tests every one or two weeks.

Concerns about Medication

Patients and families sometimes become worried about the antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. In addition to concern about side effects, they may worry that such drugs could lead to addiction.

Compliance

Making sure that you are taking your medications consistently can be referred to as medication compliance. As easy as it may sound to take medication regularly as scheduled; medication compliance is often one of the largest challenges of long-term treatment for schizophrenia.

Psychotherapy

Therapy is an essential part of treatment for schizophrenia. Often you will find that mental health professionals work closely with psychiatrists to help make sure treatment methods are effective.

Levels of Care

Treatment can involve outpatient, intensive outpatient or residential treatment programs. The level of care that is best for your condition will be determined by the person conducting your evaluation. There are trained professionals who specialize in the treatment of schizophrenia at each level of care. If you are unsure of where to find treatment providers, it is best to start by asking your doctor for local or regional referral options.