Is Schizophrenia Curable With Treatment?

The possibility that you or a loved one may have schizophrenia can be a scary and overwhelming experience. While many stories and half-truths abound about the nature of schizophrenia, the reality is much more complicated and hopeful than what you have likely heard.

Is schizophrenia curable? What is the cure?

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment in one form or another. Currently, there is no cure for the condition. However, countless studies and professional observations have demonstrated that healthy living and proper maintenance can allow one to live a long, happy, and relatively typical life with the disorder.

In addition to the time-tested treatments for schizophrenia, new science is beginning to show that there may be more methods to combat the illness. More effective medications with fewer side effects, more robust and effective counseling methods, and even genetic sequencing may all play a role in helping those with schizophrenia live better than ever before.

Current schizophrenia research

Researchers have come to a consensus over the years that schizophrenia’s appearance is likely due to a complex combination of genetics and environmental factors. Schizophrenia can run in families, but it can also manifest in people with no known familial history of the disorder. Scientists believe that particular genes or some combination of genes that cause schizophrenia may lay dormant and can be triggered by stressful situations, drug usage, extreme social isolation, and other environmental issues.

Genome sequencing and schizophrenia

Understanding people with schizophrenia on a molecular level

Over 2,000 people participated in the genome sequencing study, and researchers found mutations in the DNA related to schizophrenia that were previously unknown. Scientists looked at a three-dimensional genome structure, referred to as topologically associated domains (TADs). They found that disrupting these structures could allow interactions between genes that generally would not occur. Disrupted TADs occurred much more in people with schizophrenia.

A move toward more focused mental health treatments

Targeted schizophrenia treatment for different symptoms

It has been difficult to figure out why treatments may work for some and not others. Using machine learning and brain imaging, researchers found that the gray matter in the brain of some who have schizophrenia can differ from the gray matter of others who are diagnosed with the same disorder. Insights like these will allow doctors to figure out optimal treatments to target the various forms of schizophrenia.

Diet changes for schizophrenia treatment

Current management techniques for symptoms of schizophrenia

Is schizophrenia curable? What is the cure?

If you believe you or a loved one may have schizophrenia, the first step is to seek an expert opinion. With a proper diagnosis, you can begin receiving the medication and counseling most likely to help you on the path to recovery.

Schizophrenia treatment is often customized to suit a patient and their needs. The medications and counseling required often depend on the triggers and symptoms exhibited by the person with schizophrenia. Getting specialized and professional help is necessary for those with schizophrenia due to the unique personal requirements for treatment.

What you can do for symptoms of schizophrenia today

With that said, there are some helpful strategies for promoting healthier living and potentially improving schizophrenia health outcomes. No matter what expert you talk to, they will strongly emphasize most (if not all) of the items on this list as part of your daily health routine.

Try to keep regular sleeping hours

Schizophrenia, and much of the stress associated with it, can often take a severe toll on your sleeping patterns. Medication can also disrupt your sleep. Triggers for schizophrenia may coincide with stressful and traumatic events, and a lack of sleep likely exacerbates these issues.

Avoid drug usage

People with schizophrenia are often more prone to substance use. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol have a very high chance of causing a relapse and interfering with medication.  One of the biggest causes of the failure of long-term treatment in those with schizophrenia is drug and alcohol usage. Chemical dependence often leads to a mental health spiral that exacerbates the effects of schizophrenia.

Continue to socialize

Schizophrenia tends to cause people to turn inward and pull away from friends and family. Socializing and keeping a support network are both incredibly important for mental health. Even just making sure you put aside time to talk to a counselor a few times a week can go a long way.

Support for people with schizophrenia

If you know someone with schizophrenia or are starting to notice potential symptoms of schizophrenia in someone you are close to, it can be helpful to speak with a licensed mental health care professional. A licensed counselor can help you figure out how to be a part of their support system and can determine safe next steps. 

Online therapy to improve mental health

Online therapy has many benefits for caregivers or those who have busy schedules. You don’t have to worry about commuting to an office or being put on a waiting list. You can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your home, or anywhere you have an internet connection. With BetterHelp, you can reach out to your counselor anytime, 24/7, through text, phone call, instant message, or email, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.