It is notoriously difficult to treat, due to the complexity of symptoms and the low effectiveness of treatments.
It also provides ways to cope if you or someone you love has schizophrenia.
This manual is updated periodically to take into consideration new research and clinical recommendations from leading mental health professionals.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
In the DSM-4, schizophrenia was divided into several subtypes, including paranoid and disorganized.
Therefore, disorganization is now considered a symptom of the disorder, rather than a subtype.
Environment:Life experiences are thought to play a role in the development of schizophrenia.
It’s thought that several factors likely contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
Diagnosis
People don’t get specifically diagnosed with disorganized schizophrenia.
A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose schizophrenia.
Treatment
The first line of treatment for schizophrenia ispsychotropic medication.
Medications
Several types of medications are available to treat schizophrenia.
There are two main categories of treatments: first- and second-generation antipsychotics.
“First generation” refers to older medications, while “second generation” refers to newer medications.
Older medications include those that target the dopamine receptors in the brain.
Newer medications also target dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
Cobenfy is a new class of medicine and works differently than traditional schizophrenia medications.
Cobenfy contains xanomeline, which helps schizophrenia symptoms, and trospium, which works to reduce the side effects.
These side effects may cause some people to not want to use the medications.
These are called long-acting injectables and can be administered by a healthcare professional.
They last in your system for several weeks.
Psychotherapy
People with schizophrenia may also be helped by psychotherapy, or talk therapy.
However, some people may still struggle to manage certain behaviors or symptoms.
They also might stop taking their medication without telling anyone.
This can create a stressful situation for them and their loved ones.
Its important to know when to call for emergency help.
If a person with schizophrenia poses immediate harm to themselves or others, their loved one should call911.
If they are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
Coping
Diagnosis of a mental health condition like schizophrenia can be very overwhelming.
Schizophrenia is treated with psychotropic drugs, particularly antipsychotics, as well as adjunctive treatments like talk therapy.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 to speak with a trained Suicide & Crisis Lifeline counselor.
In:BJPsych Advances,2019.
Published online by Cambridge University Press.
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