Understanding Schizophrenia | Treatment Options for Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that impacts how you think, act, and feel. It is a condition that remains largely unexplained. There are theories that the cause might be the over- and underactivity of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in some brain pathways. More research is necessary to identify the exact cause, though.
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be distressing. It can appear like someone with this mental health condition has lost touch with reality. Symptoms fall into three categories:
- Positive symptoms – Positive refers to abnormal symptoms that are present, such as hallucinations, hearing voices, and distorted perceptions and beliefs. Negative symptoms – Negative symptoms relate to things that are missing, such as emotional expressions, speech, desire for social contact, drive, and the ability to experience pleasure.
- Disorganized symptoms – Disorganized symptoms involve confused thought patterns and speech, along with bizarre behavior and movements.
- Cognitive symptoms – Problems concentrating and remembering new information
The symptoms of schizophrenia usually appear with the first psychotic episode between the late teens and early 20s. They can show up later, though.
Risk Factors for Schizophrenia
Even though medical science is still unable to pinpoint the cause of schizophrenia, there are identifiable risk factors:
- A close family member with the condition
- Childhood trauma or social hardship
- Brain development issues before and after birth can mean a higher risk. This could include complications of pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, malnutrition, or lack of oxygen during birth.
- Cannabis use and drug abuse for those genetically vulnerable
- Growing up in an urban environment, as opposed to a rural one
Although there seems to be a connection between these risk factors and developing schizophrenia, clinicians don’t know what it is or why it happens.
The Importance of Early Intervention in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Research suggests that early intervention can improve the outcomes of a long-term treatment plan for schizophrenia. At Elevate Recovery Center, we believe it is also the best way to prevent complications and co-occurring mental health conditions.
It is common for those with undiagnosed schizophrenia to try to self-medicate with recreational drugs or alcohol. The symptoms of this mental health condition are distressing and confusing. Substance use can dull those feelings.
Schizophrenia can also lead to social isolation if not caught early. That can make getting professional help more difficult.
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Antipsychotic Medications to Treat Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic medications are the core element in treating schizophrenia. Antipsychotics work by altering the signals in the brain.
First Generation Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic drugs come in three core categories: first generation, second generation, and next generation. The primary difference between the categories lies in the mechanism of action of the drug. The first generation or typical antipsychotics work by blocking how the brain uses dopamine, acetylcholine, histamine, and norepinephrine.
These drugs block the receptors for the neurotransmitters, making them ineffective. First-generation antipsychotics are older drugs usually prescribed only after other medications fail to control the symptoms because they can have some unfortunate side effects, such as weight gain.
Second Generation Antipsychotics Or Atypical Antipsychotics
Second generation, sometimes called atypical antipsychotics, block serotonin receptors and dopamine receptors.
These medications can have a broader impact on schizophrenia symptoms with a lower risk of side effects. Atypical antipsychotics are the treatment of choice for many, and sometimes combined with other antipsychotic medications. These drugs can also cause weight gain.
Next Generation Antipsychotics
Next-generation antipsychotics approach the treatment of schizophrenia differently. These drugs have a less significant effect on motor function, meaning fewer side effects like tardive dyskinesia.
Next-generation antipsychotics typically attach to receptors in the brain that impact memory and cognition. This is a limited group at this point, with more drugs in development.
Compliance is often an issue with antipsychotic medications because they have unpleasant side effects such as tardive dyskinesia and weight gain. People describe feeling like they are underwater when taking them. They can also cause drowsiness and make it difficult to function. The next generation of drugs doesn’t have the same effect.
Mood Stabilizers
Our healthcare team might also suggest mood stabilizers to manage other symptoms, like an acute episode of mania or depression. They are also sometimes an option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
There are other treatments supported by the American Psychiatric Association, as well, such as electroconvulsive therapy. It introduces short controlled electrical currents to the brain, which may change the chemistry.
Antipsychotic Drugs Are Not Enough When Treating Schizophrenia
The role of prescription medications is to manage symptoms like voices and hallucinations. However, specialized schizophrenia medication works best when paired with the intensive therapy we offer at Elevate Recovery Center to ensure a more complete recovery. The drug therapy simply reduces the intensity of the symptoms so they are less intrusive, but a complete schizophrenia treatment plan must also include intense therapy to provide the necessary coping skills for long-term recovery.
Antipsychotic drugs don’t manage the condition alone or provide the necessary coping skills for long-term recovery. That requires specialized therapy for schizophrenia like we offer at Elevate Recovery Center, focusing on the person, not just the symptoms.
Antipsychotics Work Best Paired With Mental Health Treatment
Therapy at Elevate Recovery Center helps you build coping skills, which are critical for a severe mental illness like schizophrenia. Mental health treatment provides a safe and secure environment for those with schizophrenia to talk about their thoughts and emotions. Our approach enables resilience, which helps individuals better tolerate their schizophrenia medication and improve long-term compliance while still finding ways to enjoy their lives and stay present.
How Elevate Recovery Center Approaches Treating Schizophrenia
There is no cure for schizophrenia, just treatment options to manage the symptoms. At Elevate Recovery Center, we provide psychotherapy that works in combination with medical care to improve the lives of those with this condition.
Our targeted treatment plans include individual counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group support, including family therapy.
Individual Therapy
Individual or talk therapy is a critical part of the process. At Elevate, our specialists provide schizophrenia treatment using evidence-based methods to help individuals develop a better understanding of their condition and how it affects their behavior.
At the same time, individual therapy focuses on coping skills and social skills training that help manage some of the day-to-day challenges of living with schizophrenia. Everyday stressors can make delusions and hallucinations worse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key part of our individual sessions. This form of therapy for schizophrenia allows you to challenge negative or delusional thought patterns and ground your thinking in reality. CBT allows you to challenge negative or delusional thought patterns. This helps to ground thinking and make it more rational.
Someone with schizophrenia may consider their thoughts to be the absolute truth, even if irrational. They may act on those thoughts to suppress their feelings and try to avoid them.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is one of the most valuable treatment options for schizophrenia, as it allows individuals to discuss their challenges with others who face similar issues. This peer support is essential for building social skills and reducing the feelings of isolation that often accompany the diagnosis
Family Therapy
Family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication and build a supportive environment. This collaborative approach is a vital component of a comprehensive treatment for schizophrenia, helping to improve medication compliance and reduce the risks of relapse.. Family members can be the first ones to spot behaviors that indicate their loved one with schizophrenia is not taking their meds.
It also makes problem-solving more effective because family members better understand each other and what they need to live their best life. Meeting together as a family unit will improve the dynamics and create a more supportive space.
We also offer art therapies. They are a fun way to express feelings and better understand them.
Why Choose Elevate Recovery Center?
At Elevate Recovery Center, our care team offers multiple program options for schizophrenia treatment, including day treatment, outpatient therapy, and afterschool programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
The day treatment program can be part of a step-down treatment strategy for those who are transitioning out of inpatient care or hospitalization. It can also be the first step for someone with a new diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Our day treatment program offers a safe environment that includes talk therapy, individual, group, and family sessions, as well as medication and case management. We offer a supportive environment that includes structured routines, social skills training, and a compassionate care team. Our clients spend their day in different types of therapy, including art therapies, which help break the day.
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Elevate Recovery Center for Schizophrenia Treatment: We Can Help
Find out more about the holistic approach to therapy for schizophrenia that we offer at Elevate Recovery Center. We can work with you to develop an effective treatment strategy. Contact us today or visit our website and complete our online contact form. Any information you provide is held in the strictest confidence.
