Exploring Schizophrenia Treatment Options

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects how individuals perceive the world. Schizophrenia affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and actions by disrupting the logic that typically guides behavior, often resulting in actions that may appear unusual to others.

Symptoms include¹:

• Hallucinations - when senses perceive something that isn’t really happening. Hallucinations can be visual, tactile (physical sensation), or auditory (hearing)
• Delusions - strong beliefs in things that are not true or based in reality. Common examples include believing that someone is out to harm or control them, or thinking they are a famous historical figure or in a relationship with a celebrity.
• Disorganized thinking or speech - impact to thinking often manifests in a person’s speech which may seem rambling, tangential, or hard to understand. They may have difficulty focusing, frequently jumping between unrelated topics or giving responses that don’t appear to make sense.
• Disorganized behavior - This could involve behaving unpredictably, such as becoming agitated suddenly or acting in a very childlike manner. For others, it might manifest as repeating a specific action, like pacing, or continuously repeating a phrase out loud.
• Lack of emotion - Difficulty relating to others, showing, or understanding emotions are “negative symptoms” of schizophrenia. This can also include social withdrawal, reduced interest in activities or hobbies, and decreased motivation; these symptoms often appear first and are sometimes mistaken for depression.

Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with schizophrenia. Essential aspects of effective treatment include medication, community support, and therapy.

Medication

Medication is a crucial part of treating schizophrenia, with consistent use significantly reducing the likelihood of symptoms worsening or returning. Antipsychotics, commonly prescribed for schizophrenia, help alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. These medications are available in various forms, including daily pills, dissolvable tablets, liquids, long-acting injections, and skin patches. Working closely with a psychiatrist or healthcare provider is essential to finding the right treatment plan, taking into account the benefits, potential side effects, and costs associated with each option.

The Importance of Group Therapy

One effective method of support is group therapy, where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences. Group therapy provides a platform where members can relate to each other, share their struggles, and build collective strength. This sense of community can be incredibly empowering, helping participants realize they are not alone in their journey.²

Individuals in therapy often find comfort in knowing that their loved ones are also engaged in their treatment process. Psychoeducation and support for family members and caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia, including support groups, can help families understand their loved one's diagnosis and how to support their treatment. With the support of family members, individuals can better manage their symptoms and feel more like a cohesive team working toward health and stability.³

The Role of Care Managers

Another support system for those living with schizophrenia is the involvement of a care manager (also known as a case manager). Care managers can play a key role in coordinating mental health care, accessing social services, and connecting individuals with resources. They can assist in building essential skills, finding employment opportunities, and helping individuals to overcome challenges related to their symptoms.

Additionally, care managers can coordinate transportation services and other community engagements, making everyday life more accessible and integrated for those living with schizophrenia. The collaborative effort between the individual, their family/support, and the care manager often results in significant improvement in managing symptoms and achieving overall well-being.

Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A widely recognized therapy for managing schizophrenia symptoms is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals understand the nature of their symptoms and develop coping strategies to mitigate their effects on daily life. This therapy can be particularly beneficial in addressing the cognitive distortions and delusional thinking commonly associated with schizophrenia.

When combined with medication and other treatments, CBT provides a comprehensive approach to managing schizophrenia4. It empowers individuals to take an active role in their treatment, fostering resilience and adaptability in their mental health journey.

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT)

Another effective therapy for schizophrenia is Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT). CRT focuses on cognitive processes or the way our mind processes information and thoughts. Studies show that cognitive remediation can help improve memory and attention. In CRT, a trained clinician will teach and lead individuals with schizophrenia through various thought exercises and problem-solving activities that help the person navigate their day-to-day life.5,6

Again, when combined with other forms of therapy and psychosocial skills support, CRT can be an effective way for individuals with schizophrenia to learn and maintain skills that help them in their daily lives.

Seeking Help and Building a Supportive Community

For those newly diagnosed or learning to manage their symptoms, it’s vital to remember that numerous treatment options are available. Connecting with people and resources can significantly enhance one’s ability to manage symptoms. In supportive therapy groups, members find common ground, maintain recovery, and improve their physical and mental health.

By leveraging medication, group therapy, care management, and cognitive behavioral therapy, individuals can build a support network. This collaborative approach not only helps in managing symptoms but also promotes recovery and an improved quality of life.

Remember, living with schizophrenia doesn't mean you have to navigate your journey alone. With the right support and treatment, living a fulfilling and healthy life is possible.

Sources:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024c, April). Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#part_2277
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024, April 26). Schizophrenia. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/schizophrenia/?tab=support
4. Turkington, D., Dudley, R., Warman, D. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenia: A Review. Focus, 4(2), 223–233. https://doi.org/10.1176/foc.4.2.223
5. Bowie, C. R., Bell, M. D., Fiszdon, J. M., Johannesen, J. K., Lindenmayer, J. P., McGurk, S. R., Medalia, A. A., Penadés, R., Saperstein, A. M., Twamley, E. W., Ueland, T., & Wykes, T. (2020). Cognitive remediation for schizophrenia: An expert working group white paper on core techniques. Schizophrenia research, 215, 49–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2019.10.047
6. Buonocore, M., Spangaro, M., Bechi, M., Trezzani, S., Terragni, R., Martini, F., Agostoni, G., Cocchi, F., Cuoco, F., Guglielmino, C., Bosia, M., & Cavallaro, R. (2022). Cognitive remediation in schizophrenia: What happens after 10 years?. Schizophrenia research. Cognition, 29, 100251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scog.2022.100251