How to Treat Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia treatment

Current treatment for schizophrenia is based on clinical research and experience. Some patients regain control over their symptoms, while others may have functional disability and remain at risk.


Medications:
Medications reduce schizophrenia symptoms and the treatment is geared toward lessening their recurrence.

Typical antipsychotics:

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Perphenazine
• Fluphenazine

Although effective in reducing positive psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, typical antipsychotics have some serious side effects like tremors, rigidity, restlessness, and muscle spasms.


Atypical antipsychotics:

• Clozapine(Clozaril)
• Risperidone(Risperdal)
• Quetiapine(Seriquel)
• Qlazapine(Zyprexa)
• Ariprazole(Abilify)
• Ziprasidone(Geodon)
• Paleperidone(Invega)

Atypical antipsychotics are relatively newer drugs, have fewer side effects, and are prescribed when the typical ones prove ineffective.


Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT):

CBT helps reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. In this therapy, the emphasis is on understanding personal experience, helping the patients think normally by being self-observant, and doing mental exercises.

During this treatment, the patient keeps a diary to note voices in their head and their tone. The patient is encouraged to deal with the voices and find out the source of the voices. The patient is also encouraged to interact positively.

All in all, schizophrenia treatment is a combination of medications and family and peer support.

For more on schizophrenia, see below:

Schizophrenia: Top 5 Drugs that Work

Schizophrenia: Top Natural Supplements for Treatment

Schizophrenia: Latest Medical Breakthroughs

Schizophrenia: How Your Diet Plays a Role

Schizophrenia: Top 5 Symptoms