Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects your thinking, emotions, relationships, and decision making. And because there’s no cure, getting the proper treatment early is the best way to improve chances of managing the illness.
Schizophrenia treatment will center on managing your symptoms. You may need to stay on medication for a long time, possibly even for life. Psychotherapy, a kind of talk therapy, will likely also be a big part of the plan to help you understand and manage your symptoms. The right treatments, along with practical and emotional support from your loved ones, will go a long ways to help you navigate your life.
Types of Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy. During sessions, a therapist or psychiatrist can teach the person how to deal with their thoughts and behaviors. They’ll learn more about their illness and its effects, as well as how to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not. It also can help them manage everyday life. Learn more about the different types of psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This can help the person change their thinking and behavior. A therapist will show them ways to deal with voices and hallucinations. With a combination of CBT sessions and medication, they can eventually tell what triggers their psychotic episodes (times when hallucinations or delusions flare up) and how to reduce or stop them. Read more on how cognitive behaioral therapy can help thinking patterns.
Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET). This type of therapy is also called cognitive remediation. It teaches people how to better recognize social cues, or triggers, and improve their attention, memory, and ability to organize their thoughts. It combines computer-based brain training and group sessions.
Types of Psychosocial Therapy
If a person with schizophrenia sees improvement during psychotherapy sessions, it’s likely they’ll need more help learning how to become part of a community. That’s where psychosocial therapy comes in.
Social skills training. This type of instruction focuses on improving communication and social interactions.
Rehabilitation. Schizophrenia usually develops during the years we are building our careers. So rehabilitation may include job counseling, problem-solving support, and education in money management.
Successful treatment for schizophrenia involves a mix of medication and therapy. People who do both are less likely to have a relapse or wind up in the hospital. Studies show this treatment pairing also improves their social skills and quality of life.
The most common types of therapy for schizophrenia include:
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This treatment helps you change how you think and react to things. It also teaches you to deal with negative feelings by thinking about them in a different way so you feel good instead. To do this, you’ll need to identify patterns that make your life difficult. When you change those patterns, your symptoms can change. Your life becomes more manageable. CBT can help you learn to:
- Solve problems
- Understand others’ behavior
- Face your fears
- Find new ways to relax
The goal is for you take to control of your emotions. In this therapy, you learn skills that you can use for the rest of your life. Your therapist teaches you how to ignore thoughts and voices in your head. You’ll gain a new understanding of your reality. Here’s how it helps:
- Improves social skills
- Lowers relapse
- Lessens symptoms
- Builds confidence
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders and determining that symptoms are not due to substance abuse, medication or a medical condition. Determining a diagnosis of schizophrenia may include:
- Physical exam. This may be done to help rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications.
- Tests and screenings. These may include tests that help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs. The doctor may also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.
- Psychiatric evaluation. A doctor or mental health professional checks mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and potential for violence or suicide. This also includes a discussion of family and personal history.
- Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. A doctor or mental health professional may use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
More Information
- CT scan
- MRI
Treatment
Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed.
A psychiatrist experienced in treating schizophrenia usually guides treatment. The treatment team also may include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse and possibly a case manager to coordinate care. The full-team approach may be available in clinics with expertise in schizophrenia treatment.
Medications
Medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, and antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They’re thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.
The goal of treatment with antipsychotic medications is to effectively manage signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. The psychiatrist may try different drugs, different doses or combinations over time to achieve the desired result. Other medications also may help, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms.
Because medications for schizophrenia can cause serious side effects, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to take them. Willingness to cooperate with treatment may affect drug choice. For example, someone who is resistant to taking medication consistently may need to be given injections instead of taking a pill.
Ask your doctor about the benefits and side effects of any medication that’s prescribed.
Second-generation antipsychotics
These newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower risk of serious side effects than do first-generation antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics include:
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Asenapine (Saphris)
- Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
- Cariprazine (Vraylar)
- Clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz)
- Iloperidone (Fanapt)
- Lurasidone (Latuda)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Paliperidone (Invega)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
First-generation antipsychotics
These first-generation antipsychotics have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia) that may or may not be reversible. First-generation antipsychotics include:
- Chlorpromazine
- Fluphenazine
- Haloperidol
- Perphenazine
These antipsychotics are often cheaper than second-generation antipsychotics, especially the generic versions, which can be an important consideration when long-term treatment is necessary.
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics
Some antipsychotics may be given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. They are usually given every two to four weeks, depending on the medication. Ask your doctor about more information on injectable medications. This may be an option if someone has a preference for fewer pills and may help with adherence.
Common medications that are available as an injection include:
- Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Aristada)
- Fluphenazine decanoate
- Haloperidol decanoate
- Paliperidone (Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza)
- Risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Perseris)
Psychosocial interventions
Once psychosis recedes, in addition to continuing on medication, psychological and social (psychosocial) interventions are important. These may include:
- Individual therapy. Psychotherapy may help to normalize thought patterns. Also, learning to cope with stress and identify early warning signs of relapse can help people with schizophrenia manage their illness.
- Social skills training. This focuses on improving communication and social interactions and improving the ability to participate in daily activities.
- Family therapy. This provides support and education to families dealing with schizophrenia.
- Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. This focuses on helping people with schizophrenia prepare for, find and keep jobs.
Most individuals with schizophrenia require some form of daily living support. Many communities have programs to help people with schizophrenia with jobs, housing, self-help groups and crisis situations. A case manager or someone on the treatment team can help find resources. With appropriate treatment, most people with schizophrenia can manage their illness.
Hospitalization
During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and basic hygiene.
Electroconvulsive therapy
For adults with schizophrenia who do not respond to drug therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. ECT may be helpful for someone who also has depression.
More Information
- Family therapy
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Coping and support
Coping with a mental disorder as serious as schizophrenia can be challenging, both for the person with the condition and for friends and family. Here are some ways to cope:
- Learn about schizophrenia. Education about the disorder can help the person with schizophrenia understand the importance of sticking to the treatment plan. Education can help friends and family understand the disorder and be more compassionate with the person who has it.
- Stay focused on goals. Managing schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Keeping treatment goals in mind can help the person with schizophrenia stay motivated. Help your loved one remember to take responsibility for managing the disorder and working toward goals.
- Avoid alcohol and drug use. Using alcohol, nicotine or recreational drugs can make it difficult to treat schizophrenia. If your loved one is addicted, quitting can be a real challenge. Get advice from the health care team on how best to approach this issue.
- Ask about social services assistance. These services may be able to assist with affordable housing, transportation and other daily activities.
- Learn relaxation and stress management. The person with schizophrenia and loved ones may benefit from stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi.
- Join a support group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help them reach out to others facing similar challenges. Support groups may also help family and friends cope.
Preparing for your appointment
If you’re seeking help for someone with schizophrenia, you may start by seeing his or her family doctor or health care professional. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a psychiatrist.
What you can do
To prepare for the appointment, make a list of:
- Any symptoms your loved one is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
- Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
- Medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that he or she is taking, including the dosages
- Questions to ask the doctor
Go with your loved one to the appointment. Getting the information firsthand will help you know what you’re facing and what you need to do for your loved one.
For schizophrenia, some basic questions to ask the doctor include:
- What’s likely causing the symptoms or condition?
- What are other possible causes for the symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests are needed?
- Is this condition likely temporary or lifelong?
- What’s the best treatment?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach you’re suggesting?
- How can I be most helpful and supportive?
- Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
- What websites do you recommend?
Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
The doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Anticipating some of these questions can help make the discussion productive. Questions may include:
- What are your loved one’s symptoms, and when did you first notice them?
- Has anyone else in your family been diagnosed with schizophrenia?
- Have symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- Has your loved one talked about suicide?
- How well does your loved one function in daily life — is he or she eating regularly, going to work or school, bathing regularly?
- Has your loved one been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
- What medications is your loved one currently taking?
The doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on responses, symptoms and needs.
