Healing” schizophrenia means reducing the burden of symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Some people may consider their schizophrenia “healed” if they are able to manage their symptoms and live independently, while others may consider it healed if their symptoms have disappeared entirely. Lamictal, Mirtazapine and Zyprexa are just a some of the meds that help with schizophrenia. Likewise, psychosocial behavioral therapy for schizophrenia Is also very valuable for a person who has this mental illness.
Drug Treatments And Therapy For Schizophrenia
LamictalLamictal, also known as lamotrigine, works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing the occurrence of seizures. Lamictal is available in several forms, including tablets, chewable dispersible tablets, and an oral suspension. Common side effects include headache, nausea, rash, dizziness, and fatigue. Serious side effects of Lamictal include a skin rash, fever, swollen lymph glands, and signs of liver problems. Lamictal can interact with other medications and supplements, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re taking.
I tried this and I developed a rash on my arms.
MirtazapineMirtazapine is an antidepressant medication that may be prescribed “off-label” to help manage some of the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, some studies have suggested that mirtazapine may be helpful in reducing some of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal and apathy. Mirtazapine works by targeting several different brain chemicals, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine. There are potential side effects of mirtazapine. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, weight gain, and finally constipation. In some cases, mirtazapine may also worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
ZyprexaZyprexa works by blocking the effects of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia like hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. Common side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, and increased appetite, but in some cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as movement disorders, high blood sugar, and an increased risk of stroke in elderly people with dementia. In rare cases, Zyprexa can cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion and requires immediate medical attention. This is what I am on right now. As a matter of fact, I developed the movement disorder (Parkinson’s Disease) from it. You’re probably wondering why I’m still taking it? Because all the other meds in this category didn’t work!
Psychosocial Therapy For Schizophrenia
Psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia is a type of therapy that aims to help people with schizophrenia and related disorders learn how to manage their symptoms, improve their social and communication skills, and improve their functioning in everyday life.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): How to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. This type of therapy can be useful in managing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations
- Family Therapy: Can be helpful in addressing relationship issues and improving communication between loved ones. It can also educate family members about the illness and how to support their loved one’s recovery.
- Social Skills Training: Can help individuals develop better communication and interpersonal skills, which can improve their ability to form and maintain relationships with others.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps individuals find and maintain employment or other meaningful activities. This type of therapy can also provide education and training to help individuals develop new skills and increase their independence.
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT): ACT is a team-based approach to treatment that provides intensive, comprehensive support and assistance to individuals with schizophrenia in the community. This may include support with medication management, help with finding housing, and assistance with other daily living tasks.
Psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia can be tailored to the individual’s needs, and a combination of different types of therapy may be used for maximum benefit.
Evidence Based Treatment For Schizophrenia
There are several evidence-based treatments for schizophrenia, which means that they have been studied through research and proven to be effective. Here are some of the evidence-based treatments for schizophrenia:
Antipsychotic medication: These medications can help reduce the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): It helps individuals to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to their symptoms.
Family-focused therapy (FFT): This can include educating family members about the illness, helping them to develop coping strategies, and improving communication between family members.
Social skills training: This can help them to form and maintain relationships, and improve their overall functioning.
Supported employment: This type of treatment can improve overall functioning and self-esteem.
Assertive community treatment (ACT): This may include support with medication management, help with finding housing, and assistance with other daily living tasks.
These evidence-based treatments for schizophrenia can be used in combination to create a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
New Drugs For Schizophrenia
There have been some recent developments in the field of medication for schizophrenia. Here are a few examples of newer drugs that have been approved:
- Caplyta (lumateperone)
- Vraylar (cariprazine)
- Rexulti (brexpiprazole)Ingrezza (valbenazine)
- Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil)
It is important to note that while these medications may be effective for some people with schizophrenia, not all individuals respond to these treatments in the same way.
Schizophrenia And Substance Abuse
Individuals with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs) than the general population, and comorbid substance abuse can complicate the treatment of schizophrenia. Here are some key points about schizophrenia and substance abuse:
- High prevalence of comorbid substance use.
- Substance abuse can worsen schizophrenia symptoms.
- Substance abuse can affect medication adherence.
- High mortality rate.
- Treatment is complex; Treatment should involve addressing both conditions simultaneously. This may involve a combination of medication, psychosocial therapy, and substance abuse treatment.
Overall, comorbid substance abuse is a common issue among individuals with schizophrenia and requires careful management due to its negative impact on treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Whenever you are going to start a new med, for whatever it’s for, please always due your research on it. Know what it is used for and especially the side effects from it! Don’t just leave it up to your doctor, participate in your care (know the facts). If I would have known that Zyprexa is the cause of my Parkinson’s Disease, I never would have started taking it. Especially because my memory is going (because of Parkinson’s). I have trouble spelling simple words and I don’t remember half of my past memories. Not to mention, the movement disorder. I had to quit physical working altogether. That’s why I decided to use my brain (affiliate marketing) and not my physicality to make money! Until next time…be safe!
Articles
-Does Schizophrenia Get Worse If Untreated?
-What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Schizophrenia
-What Is Schizophrenia?
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable
“You’re not alone !”
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