Millions of Americans suffer from schizophrenia, with symptoms typically manifesting in the teenage years or early adulthood. Some develop schizophrenia on their own, while others experience drug-induced schizophrenia that ties into their substance abuse disorder. Whatever the case, schizophrenia is a challenging but treatable condition that doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

What Is Schizophrenia?

The American Psychiatric Association defines schizophrenia as a disorder “characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior and other symptoms that cause social or occupational dysfunction.” While there’s no known cure for schizophrenia, treating schizophrenia can improve and diminish most symptoms.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, which is partially why it’s also been so difficult to develop a cure. However, research has found some factors that increase an individual’s risk of having the condition:

• Genetics
• Small differences in brain development
• An imbalance in two types of neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin
• Pregnancy and birth complications, including low birth weight, premature labor and asphyxia during birth

If left untreated, schizophrenia can have severe consequences in a person’s life. People can experience overwhelming symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thoughts. Over time, this can lead to paranoia, the inability to hold down a job or keep up with everyday tasks, isolation from friends and family and even suicidal tendencies.

Treatment Options for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia treatment usually involves a two-pronged approach. Most individuals can benefit from therapy and medication for schizophrenia. However, this decision is made on a case-by-case basis, as each patient’s individualized needs, preferences and responses to treatment should be considered.

Medication

Medication is a crucial part of treating schizophrenia. While some patients may choose to go without therapy, nearly all patients must take medication to subdue the symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Still, there’s room for personalization in the type of medication and dosage. Individuals often work with their doctors to find the best drug and dosage to manage their symptoms without impacting their mood.

The most common meds for schizophrenia can be divided into two categories: conventional antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics.

Conventional antipsychotics include popular medications such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol and fluphenazine. While these medications have been used to treat schizophrenia effectively for years, they sometimes come with side effects of tremors and dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions).

Atypical antipsychotics are the “newer” medications available on the market that offer the same effectiveness as the conventional drugs but without the common side effects. Popular atypical antipsychotics are aripiprazole, clozapine, risperidone and quetiapine. As with most medications, these atypical antipsychotic drugs come with their own risk of side effects. Most commonly, the side effects impact the metabolism, resulting in an increased risk of high cholesterol and diabetes.

Administration of schizophrenic medication is usually done on a trial basis. Doctors work with each patient to identify the optimal drug and dosage, as there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Therapy

In addition to medication, most individuals can benefit from regular therapy treatment for their schizophrenia. This condition can feel overwhelming, isolating and confusing to many people. A therapist can help individuals cope with their diagnosis, and they can monitor and spot the warning signs when someone stops taking their medication.

Some of the most popular therapies for schizophrenia are:

• Individual psychotherapy. In personal one-on-one therapy sessions, the therapist teaches the patient to deal with their thoughts and behaviors and offers tools to manage everyday life. This type of therapy also helps the patient differentiate between what’s real and what’s not.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT focuses on helping the individual change how they think and behave. Additionally, the patient learns how to deal with hallucinations and may even be able to identify what triggers their psychotic episodes.
• Cognitive enhancement therapy. CET, also known as cognitive remediation, focuses on teaching the patient social cues and triggers. It also aims to improve memory, attention and the ability to organize thoughts. CET is usually a combination of computer training and group sessions.
• Family therapy. Family education can help family members learn about schizophrenia and how they can best support their loved one. Additionally, family therapy can be a safe space for loved ones to work through their problems without blame or accusations.
• Group therapy. Patients may benefit from attending group therapy sessions to meet others with schizophrenia. This condition can often feel isolating, so talking to people going through a similar experience can be helpful. This can also be an inspiring place to see people with the condition living full lives.

Alcohol and Schizophrenia

Substance abuse can lead to drug-induced schizophrenia, which is a long-term condition that continues after the individual stops using drugs. Continuing to use substances could exacerbate the symptoms, especially delusions, paranoia and hallucinations. Therapists may treat this disorder as a dual diagnosis and help the individual manage the symptoms while overcoming their substance dependency.

Get Help for Drug-induced Schizophrenia

Whether you want to learn how to help someone with schizophrenia or need treatment for your own disorder, the compassionate professionals at Restore are here to help with personalized treatment plans that fit your needs. Finding the proper treatment can give you the freedom and stability you’ve been looking for. Contact us today to find out how we can help.