Schizophrenia treatment helps those with this disorder manage their symptoms and lead healthy lives. Though a schizophrenia diagnosis can be scary at first, there is hope. Thanks to advancements in psychiatric care, this disease is manageable, and many of those with schizophrenia lead happy and fulfilling lives.
There is no one size fits all solution for schizophrenia treatment since everyone with this disorder experiences it differently. Instead, our psychiatric team has found that a combination of treatments tailored to the individual is the best way to help those dealing with this disease.
So, if you or a family member is facing this diagnosis, we can help. First, let us take a look at what schizophrenia is. Then, we will examine ways to treat it. We hope that by shedding some light on this often misunderstood condition, we can comfort those who suffer and their loved ones.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (psychiatry.org), schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that, in its active phase, causes individuals to:
As with any mental disorder, the type and severity of symptoms vary greatly. Though the cause of schizophrenia is under ongoing investigation, brain chemistry, structure, and genetics play a major role. Though we have not yet found a cure for this condition, most individuals can lead happy, normal, and productive lives with the right treatment. Here we will look at three major schizophrenia treatments to help our patients manage the disease. These are often combined in a comprehensive treatment plan to help our patients overcome their symptoms and thrive.
Prescription drugs, such as antipsychotic medication, anti-depressants, and mood stabilizers, can significantly reduce symptoms in those with this condition. Several drugs on the market can treat schizophrenia, and research continues to investigate new pharmaceuticals that can help address schizophrenia treatment. Though side effects continue to be a significant concern for those taking these medications, our team is also skilled at helping our patients cope and overcome those side effects. We do a thorough medical and psychiatric exam to match the patient with the right medication or combination of medications. In addition, we regularly monitor our patients to ensure the medication is working as it should. As a result, treatment can be re-evaluated and adjusted at any time. In addition, it can take time to find the right medication.
One-on-one work with a therapist is an essential component of schizophrenia treatment. Just as with medication, several types of talk therapy work well for coping with this disorder. For example, Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one popular approach. This therapy helps patients connect thoughts with feelings and helps them manage distressing emotions. In addition, therapy can help the individual identify triggers as well as develop a healthy lifestyle that minimizes the impact of the disease. Individual psychotherapy is another popular approach for those with schizophrenia. During sessions, a therapist will help the patient learn to manage their day-to-day life and emotions and teach the patient how to recognize when their disease might be interfering with their sense of reality.
Having a strong support network is vital for a person who has schizophrenia and has a significant impact on their health and well-being. This therapy starts with strengthening the family unit and helping them work together to support each other and their loved one who suffers. Family involvement has been shown to improve a patient's social functioning, adherence to medication, and healthy living. We help educate patients' families about the disease and learn how they can help their loved ones cope. Our team helps patients keep lines of communication open to foster better understanding between patients and their loved ones.
We have had great success helping our patients by developing care plans incorporating these and other treatments. Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that calls for a multi-pronged approach encompassing the patient's physical and mental health.
Schizophrenia is nothing to be ashamed of and not the patient's fault. Everyone deserves a happy, productive, and fulfilling life. Our team is dedicated to helping our patients thrive despite mental illness. If you or someone you care about is struggling with schizophrenia, get them to us, and we will get the right diagnosis and work on a plan together.
Request an appointment here:https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
While there is no cure for many long-term behavioral disorders, they may be successfully controlled with the right combination of therapy and other treatments. Behavioral issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction disorders are prevalent nowadays.While there has been a lot of study into what causes behavioral disorders, including diverse fields…
Depression treatment can vary from patient to patient. However, all psychiatrists approach each patient with some basic techniques. These strategies can guide you through your depression treatment. Here are the details on how each mental health provider can guide you through your condition.The psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants. These drugs can help correct the uneven chemistry…
Professional schizophrenia treatment is necessary due to the complexity of the mental health disorder. Psychiatrists characterize it as a range of hallucinations, delusions, jumbled thinking patterns, and sometimes a loss of emotional resonance or expressiveness. These are just some of the symptoms that make trying to manage the disorder independently nearly impossible and dangerous.Before developing…
Treatment-resistant depression is a leading reason patients seek antidepressant alternatives, but it is far from the only reason. Though typically a first-line treatment, antidepressants are not the only option and are not right for every patient. The following are some reasons these drugs may not work for you and alternative therapies a psychiatrist might recommend.In…
While there is no cure for many long-term behavioral disorders, they may be successfully controlled with the right combination of therapy and other treatments. Behavioral issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction disorders are prevalent nowadays.While there has been a lot of study into what causes behavioral disorders, including diverse fields…
Depression treatment can vary from patient to patient. However, all psychiatrists approach each patient with some basic techniques. These strategies can guide you through your depression treatment. Here are the details on how each mental health provider can guide you through your condition.The psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants. These drugs can help correct the uneven chemistry…