Schizophrenia - Treatment

The treatment for schizophrenia depends in part on the stage of the patient's condition.

Hospitalization

In the early stages, hospitalization may be necessary. Hospitalization prevents patients from doing harm to themselves or others. Hospitalization often lasts until treatment with medications begins.

Medication

The primary form of treatment for schizophrenia is medication. Drugs are now available to control many of the symptoms of the disorder. Between 60 to 70 percent of patients with schizophrenia respond to drug treatment.

In the early stages of the disorder, patients may be given regular doses of medicine. The drugs may be swallowed or given by injections. As the patient improves, drugs may be given in depot doses, a form of medication that works in the system for two to four weeks. Depot doses are used because patients often forget to take their medication. Most people with schizophrenia will need to stay on medication throughout their lives.

The most successful medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia are neurotransmitter antagonists. An antagonist is a chemical that acts against some substance in the body.

Researchers now believe that schizophrenia may be caused when the brain produces too much neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry electrical messages between nerve cells. Too much neurotransmitter can cause brain cells to remain active far longer than they would normally. Neurotransmitter antagonists fight off the excess neurotransmitters, helping the brain cells relax and behave more normally.

Psychotherapy

At one time doctors thought that counseling could help cure schizophrenia, by helping patients understand the events in their history that led to the disorder. That view is no longer as popular because most researchers think schizophrenia is a biological problem rather than a problem caused by early upbringing or life events.

Still, some forms of psychotherapy can help schizophrenic patients. Behavior therapy, example, can teach patients to cope with daily activities and may improve the way they interact with other people.

The primary form of treatment for schizophrenia is medication. Drugs are now available to control many of the symptoms of the disorder. (Reproduced by permission of

AP/Wide World Photos

)

Family therapy

Family members can also benefit from some forms of therapy. For instance, parents may feel that they are somehow responsible for a child's schizophrenia. Professional therapists can help all family members better understand the mental disorder. They can also outline ways in which family members can provide support for the patient. Family therapy may also focus on improving the family's ability to communicate with each other and solve mutual problems brought about by the disease.