TREATING SCHIZOPHRENIA

TREATING SCHIZOPHRENIA
There is no way to prevent schizophrenia, but the earlier the illness is detected, the better chance you have to prevent to the worst effects of the illness.
Anyone showing psychotic symptoms of who has difficulty func tioning because of problems in their thinking should be in treatment. Although the vast majority of people with this disorder never harm themselves or others, there is some increased risk of suicide or violence in schizophrenia, another reason to seek treatment. There is an increasing evidence that earlier and continous treatment leads to a better outcome and, because new treatments are always in development, a relationship with a psychiatrist will increase the person's access to these treatments as they become available.
Schizophrenia requires a combination of treatments, including medication, psychological counseling and social support.
MEDICATIONS
The major medications used to treat schizophrenia are called antipsychotics. They are quite effective at treating the poslitive symptoms of schizophrenia, but relatively less successful for negative symptoms, with one notable exception (see clopazine, below). Every person reacts a little differently to antipsychotic drugs, so a patient may need to try several before finding the one that works best. It is also important to continue the treatment even after symptoms get better, because there is a high likelihood that psychosis will return without medication, and each returning episode may be worse.
Newer medications called “atypical” antipsychotics usually are tried first. They are as effective as older medications at treating the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, and they also may be a little better at treating cognitive symptoms. These medications include risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), zipasidone (Geodon) andn aripiprazole (Abilify). The most serious side effect of these newer drugs is weight gain, which increases the risk of developign diabetes or high chloresterol.
Older antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine, (Thorazine) and haloperidol (Haldol), are still quite effective and worth trying if atypical antipsychotics do not provide enough relief. However, the older medications can cause sedation, muscle spasms or rigidity, restlessness, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, or changes in blood pressure. With long-term use, there is a risk of developing involuntary movements (called tardive dyskinesia).
Clozapine (Clozaril) is a unique antipsychotic that is effective not just for positive symptoms, but also the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it has a potentially dangerous side effect
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