A Brief Introduction To Schizophrenia -- Treatment

Treatment

There are two main aspects in the treatment of schizophrenia, namely medication and psychosocial treatment.

Medication

In the treatment of schizophrenia, there are different therapeutic options:

Ÿ Older, so called conventional antipsychotics
Ÿ Newer, so called atypical oral antipsychotics
Ÿ Long-acting atypical medication

Consistent taking of medication can allow a person with schizophrenia to lead a relatively normal life.

However, many patients with schizophrenia do not take their medication regularly. By taking a pause in the treatment the schizophrenia symptoms can come back. Research has shown that about 75% of people with schizophrenia relapse within a year to 18 months if antipsychotic drug therapy is stopped or taken inconsistently. Relapses are to be avoided, as they will lead to a new confrontation with the disorder, a further loss of social contacts and likely it will get worse every time.

Side effects of antipsychotic medication

Like virtually all medications, antipsychotics are not always free of unwanted effects along with their beneficial effects. Drowsiness, restlessness, muscle spasms, weight gain, tremor, dry mouth or blurring of vision are not unusual in the early phases of drug treatment. Most of these can be corrected by lowering the dosage or can be reduced by switching to another medication. Different patients respond differently to treatment and experience different side effects when taking antipsychotic drugs.

Psychosocial treatment

Medication alone is not a treatment. Schizophrenia patients often find it difficult to find or hold on to a job. Psychosocial support allows patients to build up social contacts, motivation or daily care. It generally focus on improving social functioning, be it in the hospital or in the community, at home or at work.

Ÿ Rehabilitation: rehabilitation programs focus on social and occupational training. Programs may include help in improving job skills, money management skills, use of public transport, social skills or problem solving skills. These training programs are especially important in a community-centered approach, supporting schizophrenia patients to lead their lives outside the hospital.

Ÿ Individual psychotherapy: In psychotherapy you have regular talks with your physician, psychologist or social worker. The sessions may focus on current or past problems, experiences, thoughts, feelings, or relationships. By sharing experiences with a person who has knowledge about schizophrenia, you may gradually gain a better insight in your situation and your mental problem. You will probably also feel supported, which can encourage you to overcome the difficult aspects of your condition. Family intervention: It is very important for caregivers to learn all they can about schizophrenia and its particular problems. For families experiencing difficulties in coping with the disease, family “psycho-education” may be an advisable solution. In this type of education caregivers are thought various coping strategies and problem-solving skills. This may help families deal more effectively with the condition of their relative.

Reference
Janssen Pharmaceutica, NV - Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Turnhout RPR nr.0403.834.160 © Janssen Pharmaceutica, NV 2008 Last updated on 26 Jul 2007 http://www.janssen-cilag.com/