People who engage in therapeutic interventions often see improvement, and experience greater mental stability. Psychosocial treatments enable people to compensate for or eliminate the barriers caused by their schizophrenia and learn to live successfully. If a person participates in psychosocial rehabilitation, she is more likely to continue taking their medication and less likely to relapse. Some of the more common psychosocial treatments include:.
Complementary and alternative health approaches including acupuncture, meditation, and nutrition interventions can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, have shown some promise for treating and managing schizophrenia. Some researchers believe that omega-3 may help treat mental illness because of its ability to help replenish neurons and connections in affected areas of the brain. Physical Health. People with schizophrenia are subject to many medical risks, including diabetes and cardiovascular problems, and also smoking and lung disease.
For this reason, coordinated and active attention to medical risks is essential. Substance Use. People with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for misusing drugs or alcohol. Substance use can make the treatments for schizophrenia less effective, make people less likely to follow their treatment plans, and even worsen their symptoms. Search Close Menu. Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments. About Mental Illness Research. Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness.
Your Journey Family Members and Caregivers. Your Journey Identity and Cultural Dimensions. Your Journey Frontline Professionals. Get Involved Become a Fundraiser. Psychoeducation programs explain about symptoms, treatment options, recovery, and services that can help. You can have psychoeducation individually or in groups. It can include written information, videos, websites, meetings, or discussions with your case manager or psychiatrist. Your family can help you understand your diagnosis and support you in your treatment.
Family psychoeducation programs help the person with schizophrenia and their family communicate better and solve problems. Family psychoeducation is also good for family members. It can be very upsetting to see someone you love become unwell with schizophrenia. More about psychological treatments. ECT is a safe and effective treatment. It can be effective when symptoms of schizophrenia are very severe. If ECT is recommended as a treatment for you, your doctor should explain how it works and answer all your questions.
You should be given written information explaining what will happen, how it feels, and your rights. More about electroconvulsive therapy ECT.
Getting help as soon as possible gives you the best chance of a good recovery, at any stage, including:. If you or someone you care for is experiencing a first episode of psychosis, it is important to get specialised care as soon as possible. Ask your doctor what special programs or services for people with first-episode psychosis are available in your area.
A private psychiatrist or a self-help group may also be able to help you get into a suitable program. Your treating team may be able to visit you at home, and can support you during a crisis.
If you are in recovery or remission, you can have treatment at regular appointments at a public hospital or a clinic. You may be frightened about going to hospital. These newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower risk of serious side effects than do first-generation antipsychotics.
Second-generation antipsychotics include:. These first-generation antipsychotics have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder tardive dyskinesia that may or may not be reversible. First-generation antipsychotics include:. These antipsychotics are often cheaper than second-generation antipsychotics, especially the generic versions, which can be an important consideration when long-term treatment is necessary.
Some antipsychotics may be given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. They are usually given every two to four weeks, depending on the medication. Ask your doctor about more information on injectable medications.
This may be an option if someone has a preference for fewer pills and may help with adherence. Once psychosis recedes, in addition to continuing on medication, psychological and social psychosocial interventions are important. These may include:. Most individuals with schizophrenia require some form of daily living support.
Many communities have programs to help people with schizophrenia with jobs, housing, self-help groups and crisis situations. A case manager or someone on the treatment team can help find resources. With appropriate treatment, most people with schizophrenia can manage their illness. During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and basic hygiene.
For adults with schizophrenia who do not respond to drug therapy, electroconvulsive therapy ECT may be considered. ECT may be helpful for someone who also has depression. Coping with a mental disorder as serious as schizophrenia can be challenging, both for the person with the condition and for friends and family.
Here are some ways to cope:. If you're seeking help for someone with schizophrenia, you may start by seeing his or her family doctor or health care professional. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a psychiatrist. Go with your loved one to the appointment. Getting the information firsthand will help you know what you're facing and what you need to do for your loved one.
The doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Anticipating some of these questions can help make the discussion productive. Questions may include:.
The doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on responses, symptoms and needs. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
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