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 a treatment plan, a diagnosis as complex as schizophrenia usually requires the patient to undergo a multistep clinical evaluation. This will involve various forms of testing., including diagnostic imaging machines, blood tests, and standardized tests. It may also include the psychiatrist conducting structured and unstructured-styled conversations with the patient across several appointments. The exact number and tests will depend on the patient and their symptoms. From here, the psychiatrist can customize a care plan customization. Due to schizophrenia's nature, it usually involves a combination of methods and the determination of inpatient or outpatient treatment.
It is important to note that schizophrenia does not have a definitive cure as of yet. However, with schizophrenia treatment options, the symptoms can be significantly reduced and appropriately managed to provide the patient with an overall better quality of life. While there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, the key treatments the psychiatrist will incorporate into an overall care plan are medication, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation.
Medication, specifically antipsychotics, is the main cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics, manage hallucinations and delusions. There are various types of antipsychotics, and the type and dosage the psychiatrist prescribes will depend on the severity of the symptoms and how the patient's body reacts to the medication.
Antipsychotics work by blocking or reducing the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain commonly associated with psychosis. Due to the complexity of schizophrenia, a trial-and-error process may follow to determine the most effective prescription. If the patient is obtaining outpatient care from a psychiatrist, regular appointments, ordained by the doctor, will be necessary to monitor the effects of medication. Compliance with the doctor's instructions is crucial to successful treatment and avoiding complications.
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is another vital component of schizophrenia treatment. All patients, no matter how severe their condition, will undergo some form of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy will determine the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of treatment plans, and if the patient is living with a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is not uncommon with schizophrenia, as many times, patients with the disorder do not alert medical professionals when they first notice symptoms. They will usually try to ignore or self-medicate, which can lead to the worsening of symptoms or the development of substance abuse disorders, anxiety disorders, or depressive disorders.
Reverting, the most common psychotherapy methods the psychiatrist may introduce can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and art therapy. The psychiatrist will use CBT to identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs associated with the symptoms schizophrenia produces. On the other hand, family therapy provides the patient and their family support and education on operating with one another healthily. Art therapy is a less-known form of talk therapy, involving the patient drawing their experiences within the depths of schizophrenia to provide a better understanding when they have trouble verbalizing them.
Once they have a clearer mindset, the psychiatrist will introduce psychoeducation so that they can empower themselves when managing their symptoms between psychiatric check-ins.
Whether receiving care in an inpatient or outpatient setting, a rehabilitation phase will be necessary so they can confidently enter and navigate society. This can happen in a variety of ways, such as continued psychotherapy sessions and support group sessions. These options provide a constant assurance of having a safe space to share one's schizophrenic experiences.
Rehabilitation also aims to foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. This can often be due to a certain level of uncertainty within themselves to make decisions and gauge others' intentions and reactions, effectively harming their social skills. The patient's care team will work with them to improve all areas of their life.
Schizophrenia is a complex and scary disorder and should not be tackled alone. We provide schizophrenia treatment to people of all ages. If you or a loved one suspects you are living with this disorder, contact us today for an evaluation. We are here to help provide a better quality of life.
Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
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