treatments for schizophrenia
... debilitating and on average incurable. Although that is true, there are medications that make it treatable if used continually (“Overview” 2004). Symptoms of schizophrenia may be relieved with available treatments, but often patients continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives. “It has been estimated that no more than one in five individuals recover completely” (“Schizophrenia” 2004). Some patients choose to stop the use of treatment because of unpleasant side effects or other such reasons. Even if treatment is effective, patients have been known to continue to be troubled by persisting consequences of the illness such as, “lost of opportunities, stigma, residual symptoms, and medication side effects” (“Schizophrenia” 2004). The most commonly used medications to help cope with schizophrenia are antipsychotic medications. These medications help eliminate or diminish symptoms but do not cure the illness. This medication comes in a number of different available types. The difference between the medications is their strength, the amount prescribed and the side effects of each, depending on the individual’s need. Antipsychotic medications “affect neurotransmitters that allow communication between nerve cells” (“Medication” 2002). From their first development in the 1990s, antipsychotic medications have undergone important developments. They now have fewer side effects then the older versions. “Most side effects of antipsychotic medications are mild. Many common ones lessen or disappear after the first few weeks of treatment. These include drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness when changing positions” (“Medication” 2002). Even though antipsychotic drugs are very effective in treating common symptoms of schizophrenia, the drugs are not “as helpful with other symptoms, such as reduced motivation and emotional expressiveness” (“Schizophrenia” 2004). Fortunately, antipsychotic medications are not addictive to those who take them. Medications are fortunately not the only remedy for symptoms caused by schizophrenia. Besides antipsychotic medications there are different types of counseling methods which help patients cope with schizophrenia. One type of counseling is rehabilitation. During rehabilitation patients are trained to over come difficulties when reintroduced into society. Programs included in such rehabilitation include “vocational counseling, job training, problem-solving and money management skills, use of public transportation, and social skills training” (“Schizophrenia” 2004). Individual psychotherapy is another type counseling that involves “regularly scheduled talks between the patient and a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric social worker, or nurse” (“Schizophrenia” 2004). This treatment is made effective though the sharing of experience with the trained professional. By talking to people that are outside of their ‘world’ they are able to progressively begin to further understand themselves and their problems. The distorted thoughts, feelings, and perceptions they once had begin to sort themse...