Schizophrenia Treatment

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder affecting the function of the brain. The onset of the disease often occurs for men during early adulthood, whereas it usually affects women during their late twenties and early thirties. The development of the illness is rare in childhood or middle to old age. Schizophrenia can be a debilitating illness due to its severity and long-lasting chronic pattern, although some individuals only suffer with mild, short-term symptoms.

Delusions whereby the individual believes they are someone else, often a famous or historical figure.
Hallucinations – hearing other voices and believing that people are plotting to harm them.
Irrational and unpredictable behaviour.
Disorganised speech which may result in the loss of train of thought, with sentences loosely strung together with no connected meaning.

Although it is a serious illness, schizophrenia is a relatively common condition; however, it is important to rule out other possible psychiatric disorders as sometimes individuals suffer severe mental symptoms, and even psychosis due to undetected, underlying medical conditions. It is therefore essential that a full medical history and assessment is carried out in order to confirm that the correct diagnosis has been made.

Treatment usually involves the use of atypical anti-psychotic drugs, although many sufferers often combine this with in-patient rehabilitation, particularly when their symptoms are fairly severe. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven to be successful in reducing symptoms, whilst improving related issues such as self-esteem and social functioning. Studies have also shown that music and creative therapies are also beneficial.

Family therapy is strongly recommended in order to educate relatives and close friends as a supportive family environment is seen as a key element in providing the stability needed for the sufferer.