Introduction
In the previous article, we talked about the causes and symptoms of Schizophrenia. In this article, we are going to talk about the treatment and coping skills when dealing with Schizophrenia.
Treatment
Antipsychotic medication
Dosages
Only prescribed by well-trained and qualified physicians in medical treatment
Individualized for each patient
Vary in the amount of drug needed
Side effects
Come with the benefits
Drugs such as thorazine which increase the risk of extrapyramidal side effects affect movement
e.g restlessness, tremor, blurred vision, muscle spasms
Can be corrected by lowering dosage
Each patient has different treatment responses and side effects
Atypical antipsychotics
Invega (paliperidone): This option is available in three different formulations—an extended-release tablet and long-acting injectables (INVEGA SUSTENNA and INVEGA TRINZA)
Risperdal (risperidone)
Abilify (aripiprazole)
Seroquel (quetiapine)
Zyprexa (olanzapine)
Caplyta (lumateperone)
2. Psychotherapy
Individual therapy
Use cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Connection between thoughts and behaviours
Learn how negative thoughts and the world affects their decision
Help regulate their emotions and behaviours
Family therapy
Key component
Offer space for healing
Inform the family about schizophrenia
Let family members learn more and understand
Face challenges together
Group therapy
Support from peers
Share their experiences, feelings, challenges in a safe space with those who can empathize
Remove sense of isolation
Learn to develop and maintain relationships with peers
Social coping
How others can help
Learn about the behaviours of schizophrenia
Spot important changes
e.g sadness, loneliness, more irritability, hallucinations, worsening memory etc.
How you can help yourself
Join peer support group
An opportunity to meet people who are facing similar situations
Practice social skills in a non-judgemental atmosphere
Ask for feedback
Help improve social skills
Your support group wants you to feel better so they will do what they can help with
Participate in social skills training
Through mental health services team/community groups
Share challenges
Feel less alone and isolated
Consider community housing
Provide social and group recreational opportunities
Have a caring, safe and friendly environment
Emotional coping
Therapy
Participate in therapy treatment actively
Give you time to learn how to identify different emotions and manage them well
Finding support
Talk to a supportive person
Can be helpful by providing a sense of peace and calm after expressing emotions to others
Journaling
A comfortable and a good alternative for when you don’t want to communicate people at that moment
Relieve emotions
Find out about behaviour
Self-care
Sitting somewhere with greenery
Breathing in fresh air
Spending time with loved ones
Shoulds and shouldn’ts
Shoulds:
Eat regularly and exercise to stay healthy
Take medications punctually
Be aware of personal hygiene
Grocery shopping
Shouldn’ts
Wait to seek help: If your symptoms are obvious, consider talking to a doctor in order to start treatment as soon as possible.
Skip treatments: can have negative impact if you suddenly stop your treatment, very important to be consistent
Keep it to yourself and feel insecure about it: schizophrenia does not define you and there's no need to feel ashamed of it. Schizophrenia is complex and by receiving proper treatment, you will eventually be able to cope with it.
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