Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition where people misinterpret reality. The disorder affects a little less than one percent of the population in the country, causing symptoms like hallucinations, disorganized speech, delusions, lack of motivation, and inability to think clearly. A permanent and safe cure for schizophrenia is yet to be discovered. However, many therapies and treatments help patients cope with and manage the condition in the long term.
Understanding the role of diagnosis and treatment
Before getting on a schizophrenia treatment plan, an individual must receive a confirmed diagnosis. Health experts conduct several physical examinations and tests to diagnose schizophrenia. Once a healthcare expert confirms the disorder, it may not be easy to digest the information. The patient may be surprised and get anxious about what the future holds. However, contrary to common belief, an individual can significantly improve their odds of recovery and improvement with the appropriate self-care methods, therapies, and treatments. But getting diagnosed is the first step in creating a treatment plan and developing better control over the chronic condition.
Most people with schizophrenia show signs of improvement with time. Of every five people who develop the disorder, one gets better within five years of experiencing their first wave of symptoms. Three of five people have reduced symptoms, with few episodes triggered from time to time. And about one individual will continue to experience severe symptoms of the condition. In any case, patients must stick to their schizophrenia treatments and recovery plans throughout their lifetime to tackle the disease.
One must also remember that recovering from schizophrenia does not indicate a permanent cure. It simply means that the individual has learned to manage their symptoms and developed the ability to seek the support they need to live a wholesome life.
Treatment options for schizophrenia
Treatments are lifelong for this disorder, even if the symptoms subside. A psychiatrist generally offers a guided treatment plan. Patients may need to work with a dedicated team to manage the symptoms. The team may include a social worker, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, and case manager to monitor and ensure the proper care is given to the patient.
Schizophrenia treatment options may be divided into two categories, first-generation and second-generation. The former may have potentially harmful side effects, including the development of temporary or permanent tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder). Therefore, a patient must strictly follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage. Second-generation options are new forms of schizophrenia treatments. Doctors prefer these because of the low risk of severe side effects. A few examples include:
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole)
It is recommended for adults and children between 13 and 17 years. The oral treatment is known to balance specific hormone levels in the brain, improving one’s mood, behavior, and thinking. It must be used based on the dosage recommended by a healthcare expert. Furthermore, patients must not miss a dose as it may increase the risk of a relapse.
INVEGA® (paliperidone)
INVEGA® is an extended-release oral schizophrenia treatment for adults and adolescents between 12 to 17 years. It is also recommended for prolonged relief of symptoms in adults with schizoaffective disorder as a monotherapy or in combination with other ongoing treatments.
SAPHRIS® (asenapine)
Schizophrenia can sometimes lead to depression. SAPHRIS® is recommended to treat mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in those between 10 and 17 years. It helps one think more confidently and participate in daily activities. Proper usage of the treatment without breaks in the dosage pattern can prevent relapses in the long run.
REXULTI® (brexpiprazole)
It can work with other depression treatments to improve any progress a patient may have made after their diagnosis. REXULTI® is known to work if the depression treatment has been used for at least two months and the patient continues to experience symptoms. However, seeking proper guidance from a healthcare expert throughout the treatment is crucial.
VRAYLAR® (cariprazine)
This treatment helps regulate brain chemicals in adults to maintain mood, thinking, and behavior. A healthcare expert will indicate the appropriate dosage daily.
Therapy options for schizophrenia
Besides the above schizophrenia treatments, doctors may recommend other therapies to manage the condition and improve the patient’s quality of life:
Psychological therapies
Many therapies with the help of a professional therapist help manage schizophrenia. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a way to normalize thought patterns. It involves learning to identify the warning signs of relapses and managing stress. Doing so can help patients better understand and control their condition. Another therapy helps one focus on social interactions and communication to allow them to participate in regular social activities. Family therapy educates family members and teaches them how to deal with the affected member’s symptoms. Vocational rehabilitation helps people with schizophrenia prepare for interviews and qualify for jobs.
Electroconvulsive therapy
Sometimes, the patient does not respond well to schizophrenia treatments or therapies. In such situations, a healthcare expert may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Before an ECT is initiated, another treatment is administered to keep the patient from moving during the procedure. The therapy sends tiny amounts of electric current to the brain. It is known to work faster in older people and reduce the recurrence of relapse with timely follow-up treatments. ECT may be required once a week or every couple of weeks based on the severity of the symptoms. However, it can have side effects, so one must consult with a doctor about using the procedure to manage their symptoms.