Treatments for People With Schizophrenia
Antipsychotics, Therapy & Surgery For This Psychological Disorder
Mar 14, 2007
Treatments for people with schizophrenia are about reducing the chances of relapse and decreasing the symptoms of schizophrenia. Treatments for schizophrenia are improving, but many people with schizophrenia still suffer from regular psychotic episodes and chronic disabilities -- even after treatment.
Sometimes the symptoms of schizophrenia lift and people feel better, so they stop taking the antipsychotic medication. Other times the treatment for schizophrenia has unpleasant side effects, such as hair loss or itchiness on the pads of the feet. And sometimes antipsychotic medications are lost, stolen, or left behind – depending on the lifestyle of the person with schizophrenia. Treating people with schizophrenia has variable effects, depending on the situation.
Institutionalization as a Treatment for Schizophrenia
Institutionalization (living in a hospital or mental health facility) isn't the first choice of most doctors and psychologists as a treatment for people with schizophrenia. Living in the community or with family is optimal, but hospitalization for severe psychotic episodes may be necessary for the safety and well-being of everyone. Negative effects from prolonged hospitalization have been documented for people with schizophrenia and other psychological disorders.
Antipsychotic Medication as a Treatment for Schizophrenia
The most frequently prescribed antipsychotic medications include Haldol, Risperdal, and Clozaril. These antipsychotics relieve hallucinations, confusion, and delusions. Many people with schizophrenia function quite effectively on these antipsychotics, but they don't have the same effects on everyone. The antipsychotic mediations are no guarantee against relapse: 40% of people have a relapse within two years of hospital discharge. Without the antipsychotic medications, however, 80% relapse.
A Side Effect of Antipsychotic Mediations: Tardive Dyskinesia
A side effect of antipsychotic medication is tardive dyskinesia, which is marked by involuntary movements (especially of the mouth, lips, and tongue). This occurs after many years of taking the medication; it's an irreversible neurological condition. Weighing the pros and cons of a functional life without symptoms of schizophrenia versus the possibility of tardive dyskinesia is a huge factor in taking antipsychotic medications.
Lobotomies as a Treatment for Schizophrenia
A lobotomy is a brain operation that used to be a more common treatment for people with schizophrenia. Lobotomies destroy or sever connections to the prefrontal cortex and results in major personality changes. Now, lobotomies are extremely rare.
Psychosocial Treatments for Schizophrenia
Once schizophrenic hallucinations and delusions are under control, other psychosocial treatments are often very helpful. Psychosocial treatments include job counseling, financial management counseling, problem-solving skills, and social skills training. These treatments are beneficial for anyone living in the world today; they help people live effectively and happily at home, school, work, and in the community. Psychosocial treatments can even help people with schizophrenia find and be themselves.
Halfway houses or residential care facilities can be great places for people with schizophrenia to live. Residential care facilities for people with schizophrenia can offer protection, close monitoring, and safety – without closing people with schizophrenia off from society or family members.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has many affiliate organizations and provides information, support groups, and resources for people struggling with a psychological disorder. Reaching out for help and support is a key treatment for schizophrenia – and so is accepting help when it's offered.
If you found Treatments for Schizophrenia helpful, try:
