Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that features a loss of touch with reality as a primary feature. Schizophrenia is characterized by disordered thinking that affects behaviors and emotions, possibly causing severe impairment. Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating condition that necessitates lifelong treatment to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
The Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that features a detachment from reality. It usually emerges between the ages of 16-30, and many times the affected individual is not even aware that anything is wrong with them. The person with schizophrenia may exhibit erratic behaviors, extreme mood swings, and a loss of touch with reality.
Schizophrenia is highly complex mental illness with three different ways the disorder can manifest itself:
Positive symptoms reflect those that are involved with losing touch with reality:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Agitated body movements
- Thought disorders
Negative symptoms reflect the disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors:
- Becoming less verbal
- Flat effect, reduced facial expressions
- Loss of pleasure in life
- Difficulty beginning and completing activities
Cognitive symptoms that impact memory and cognitive functioning:
- Trouble paying attention or focusing
- Difficulty processing information and making decisions
- Memory problems
Causes of Schizophrenia
To date, science has not yet pinpointed the exact cause of schizophrenia. The illness seems to be triggered due to a combination of genetics, such as a genetic mutation or a family history of schizophrenia, and environmental factors. Some of the possible environment factors might include exposure to certain viral infections in utero or a lack of proper nutrition while in utero.
Schizophrenia is considered a brain disease. Brain imaging has revealed a variance in brain structure, as well as a reduced number of connections between brain cells. Dopamine and glutamates are neurotransmitters that may be involved in the development of the disease. Exposure to hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD, may also contribute to developing schizophrenia.
Treatment of Schizophrenia
A diagnosis of schizophrenia will require ongoing treatment to help manage the symptoms. Untreated schizophrenia can lead to a host of complications, such as substance abuse, social isolation, medical conditions, depression, unemployment, anxiety disorder, or suicide.
Treatment of schizophrenia will involve an integrated approach that includes several mental health and support professionals. These include the psychiatrist that will design and oversee treatment, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse. A case manager will be tasked with coordinating the various services. Schizophrenia treatment includes:
Medication. Psychotropic drugs are the core treatment element. Second generation antipsychotics are the primary drug category used for treating schizophrenia, including such medications as Abilify, Latuda, Rexulti, Vraylar, and Clozaril. Depending on the patient’s level of compliance, a long acting injectable antipsychotic may be indication. In addition to the antipsychotic drug, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may also be prescribed, depending on the features of the illness.
Psychotherapy. While medication represents the cornerstone for treating schizophrenia, individuals can also benefit from the application of certain psychotherapies. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and cognitive enhancement therapy (CET).
Psychosocial interventions. To improve quality of life and functioning, helping the individual with schizophrenia learn to integrate with the community is integral to overall recovery. Psychosocial therapies include:
- Family therapy
Families benefit from support and education that assists them in managing daily life within the family unit, while also providing support for the loved one with schizophrenia.
- Social skills training
These skills can help the individual learn how to better communicate and interact socially.
- Assertive community treatment
Personalized services that help the individual with daily challenges, such as handling common problems or taking medication on time.
- Social recovery therapy
These skills help the individual set and achieve goals and to adopt a positive view of the future.
- Vocational skill building
This might involve job counseling, such as teaching the individual how to seek out and prepare for employment.
Get The Treatment You Need
Call to Speak to a Treatment Specialist
(866) 644-7911
Receive Guidance and Treatment Options
Connect with a treatment center that will provide a free confidential assessment to review your complete history including medical conditions, psych-social, and psychiatric conditions and symptoms. You will receive individualized support and guidance to you or your loved one for treatment.
