Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating psychiatric disorder and is also one of the most difficult to treat. The common treatment for schizophrenia often involves high doses of anti-psychotic medications. There are numerous antipsychotic treatments available, but they can have unpleasant side effects like weight gain, grogginess and emotional numbing. Many of these patients receive only a partial relief of their symptoms and up to 30% have no relief at all. As a result, many people with schizophrenia stop taking their medication.
However, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed a far more effective treatment of this disorder. This approach is very different. It includes more talk therapy, lower doses of medicine, and starts earlier. The study finds that combining talk therapy and low-dose medication is more effective than the usual treatment of medication-only.
This type of treatment can revolutionize the disease which extremely affects teens and young adults. It could mean more people with this mental illness can receive the effective treatment they need.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to think straight, make decisions and manage their emotions. People with schizophrenia may lose touch with some aspects of reality. It affects people differently and the symptoms can vary for each individual. Some people may have many symptoms, while others may only have a few. Symptoms include:
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Unusual or dysfunctional ways of thinking
- Agitated body movements
- Reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
People with schizophrenia may hear voices or have paranoid delusions that others are trying to hurt them.
The symptoms of schizophrenia usually start between 16 and 30 years old and children can have it too, in rare cases. If it goes untreated for too long, the effects may worsen over one’s lifespan.
Treatable Disorder
Schizophrenia is a highly treatable disorder. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, but the treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms. In fact, according to the National Advisory Mental Health Council, the treatment success rate for schizophrenia is similar to the heart disease treatment success rate.
People who experience severe symptoms of schizophrenia may require hospitalization. It is necessary for this hospitalization treatment when there are severe delusions, hallucinations, suicidal desires, inability to care for oneself, or problems with drugs or alcohol.
Staying in treatment even after recovering from an episode is critical for people with schizophrenia. Almost 80% of individuals that stop taking their meds after an episode can have a relapse within one year. However, only 30% of those who continue their medications will experience a relapse.
Medication seems to improve the long-term prognosis for many people with schizophrenia. There are studies that show that after 10 years of treatment, 25% of the people with schizophrenia have recovered completely, 25% have improved considerably, and 25% have improved modestly. Only 15% have not improved, and 10% died.
Suicide is the number one cause of premature death among people with schizophrenia. The extreme depression that can result due to lack of treatment is the usual culprit in these sad cases.
Programs for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is a team-based treatment tool for schizophrenia. They provide flexible treatment and support to people with this mental illness. PACT professionals are available 24/7 and help the person address every aspect of their life, whether it be therapy, employment or housing. Additionally, the professionals can make sure that clients are taking their medication and help them with their every day life challenges – grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and managing their money.
Antipsychotic Medications
Antipsychotic medications are used for the treatment of schizophrenia. They help diminish the delusions, hallucinations, and thinking problems associated with this devastating illness. The drugs correct the chemical imbalances in the brain. Many patients with severe mental illnesses may need to try different antipsychotic medications before they find the right one.
These medications usually do not work immediately, so it is important to give the antipsychotic medication time to take effect before switching things around.
The New Treatment
The study, which was from July 2010 and 2012, involved 404 people aged 15 to 40 who were diagnosed with schizophrenia and had undergone treatment less than 6-months with antipsychotic medications.
The researchers randomly assigned 34 clinics in 21 states to provide their patients with their normal community care or combined therapy as part of a program called NAVIGATE. This program included evaluation of medication, individual psychotherapy, family support, employment and educational goals. It is a comprehensive program providing early and effective treatment to individuals who have experienced their first episode.
Patients were evaluated on sense of purpose, role functioning, emotional and social interactions, motivation, and regular activities engagement. Individuals in this NAVIGATE program scored considerably better in these areas than those who received the regular treatment. Additionally, patients who received the combination treatment within the first year and a half after diagnosis had even more improved quality of life and recovery compared to those that had regular treatment or received it later.
These findings point to a potentially better way of treating schizophrenia, which could be good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from the disorder.
What Can You Do?
The best way to help a loved one with schizophrenia is to help them get treatment and encourage them to stay in treatment. Be respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or inappropriate behavior.
Supporting a loved one with schizophrenia is not easy. Check to see if there are any support groups in your area to help.
The outlook for people with schizophrenia is improving. There are treatments available that work well, and new ones being developed. People with schizophrenia can experience recovery and lead an independent, enjoyable life.
This information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
