How To Prevent Schizophrenia From Worsening

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated October 16, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Navigating schizophrenia usually has its ups and downs, but understanding this complex disorder and what might trigger worsening symptoms can empower you to make a difference. You might keep a journal tracking your moods and symptoms to recognize the factors that seem to influence them the most. Prioritizing self-care and building a healthy support network to navigate symptoms and look out for flare-ups can also be helpful alongside consistent treatment. Common treatment methods often includes doctor-prescribed medication and regular therapy sessions.

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Understanding schizophrenia

Schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) is a chronic mental disorder that can disrupt how a person experiences reality. Schizophrenia can cause unexpected and sometimes overwhelming changes in perception. This disorder often causes a wide range of symptoms that may sometimes be overwhelming. These symptoms, which generally fall within three main categories:

  • Positive symptoms: These are usually the ones that get the most attention — symptoms like hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there) and delusions (fixed, false beliefs).
  • Negative symptoms: Less obvious but equally challenging, these symptoms might manifest as feeling emotionally flat, losing interest in everyday activities, or finding it hard to experience joy.
  • Cognitive symptoms: Like roadblocks for your thinking, cognitive symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate, hold onto information, or make decisions.

Recognizing that your symptoms might change in intensity over time can be beneficial for managing schizophrenia. This understanding may empower you to plan and build the right support systems for managing these fluctuations.

Risk factors for schizophrenia

The cause of schizophrenia may be considered a puzzle that scientists are still working to solve. However, research has identified several contributors that can increase a person's susceptibility to this disorder. Understanding potential risk factors can help with early identification and support strategies for proactive care.

  • Family history: If you have a close relative, like a parent or sibling, with schizophrenia, your risk of developing the disorder tends to be significantly higher. However, many people with a family history of schizophrenia never develop the disorder themselves.
  • Early brain development: Scientists are discovering that subtle differences in brain structure and the way the central nervous system develops may contribute to an increased risk of schizophrenia. These changes can sometimes be traced back to prenatal development.
  • Birth complications:  Studies suggest a potential link between complications during pregnancy or birth, such as exposure to viruses, malnutrition, or oxygen deprivation, and a slightly increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.
  • Other factors: Additional factors that might play a role in increased susceptibility to schizophrenia can include older paternal age and using psychoactive substances during adolescence.

Sometimes, changes in a person's usual behavior or thinking patterns can precede the more noticeable symptoms of schizophrenia. Paying attention to these subtle shifts can help with early detection. These early symptoms might include the following:

  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Increased suspicion or paranoia
  • Unusual thoughts or beliefs
  • Decline in personal hygiene or self-care
  • Difficulty expressing emotions and appearing emotionally flat
  • Disorganized speech or trouble concentrating

A combination of genetic and environmental factors likely influences schizophrenia. While having risk factors may increase a person’s susceptibility, it doesn't guarantee that a person will develop the disorder. Research into risk factors can offer insights for early detection, proactive care, and, ultimately, improved outcomes for people with schizophrenia.

If changes in thinking, mood, or behavior seem concerning but don't perfectly match a schizophrenia diagnosis, seeking a professional evaluation can provide a more accurate assessment of what's going on. Mental illness is usually more than a checklist of symptoms, and only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis.

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Early warning systems to detect symptom flare-ups

Schizophrenia symptoms can be sensitive to seemingly minor stimuli. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the role minor stressors can play in influencing symptom flare-ups in schizophrenia. Identifying these personal patterns can help with symptom management.

Being aware of them can empower you to be proactive and lessen their impact:

  • Stress overload: Big life transitions, being overwhelmed, or experiencing the pressure of daily responsibilities can all take a toll.
  • Sleep deprivation: When your mind and body are exhausted, it's usually harder to cope, and symptoms might intensify.
  • Substance use and misuse (formerly referred to as drug abuse): Illicit drugs and alcohol can disrupt your treatment and make schizophrenia harder to manage.
  • The dangers of isolation: Loneliness and feeling disconnected can worsen symptoms. Finding supportive connections may be beneficial.

Identifying  the situations that make your symptoms worsen can offer a sense of control, helping you manage challenges before they escalate. By using a mood diary, you can uncover patterns in your life that might influence symptom intensity.

Treatment and tools

Treatment can be part of your support system as you navigate schizophrenia and help you manage the ever-changing circumstances of your journey.

Medication for schizophrenia treatment

Antipsychotics, as prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor, are often a useful part of schizophrenia treatment. They usually work by balancing chemicals in your brain to reduce the intensity of symptoms. 

Therapy to manage thought patterns and mental health

Different types of therapy can offer a complement to medication:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) generally changes unhelpful thinking patterns and teaches healthy coping skills.
  • Psychosocial therapies can provide tools for navigating daily tasks and building a fulfilling life.
  • Family therapy may offer support and guidance to those who love you, strengthening your support network.

Finding the right treatment approach is usually a collaborative process. Open and honest communication with your healthcare team can improve symptom management. Research indicates early intervention and a combination of treatment options can be beneficial for long-term symptom management.

Self-care for supporting well-being

Beyond formal treatment, small daily acts of self-care can bolster your well-being and counterbalance the effects of schizophrenia. The following can serve as practical tools for building resilience:

  • Nurturing routines: Predictable bedtimes, nutrient-rich eating habits, and regular exercise can promote mental and physical health.
  • Stress management techniques: Many practices can calm your mind: deep breathing exercises, meditation, spending time in nature, and gentle physical activity are just a few.
  • The strength of connection: You can reach out to friends and family, join a support group, or find a community where you feel safe and understood to reduce isolation.
  • Focusing on goals: Small, achievable goals can keep you moving forward. It can be motivating to celebrate each step along the way, no matter how small.

Managing schizophrenia is often a continuous journey of learning, finding effective treatments, and building resilience. Treatment can be a process of discovery — what helps you one day might need to be adjusted the next, and that's okay.

Finding the right mental health support and preventing symptoms

Navigating schizophrenia doesn't need to be a lonely endeavor. Building a team of trusted healthcare professionals can transform your journey:

  • Psychiatrists: These professionals are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They can prescribe medication and monitor its effectiveness.
  • Therapists: Psychologists and licensed therapists may offer guidance and coping skills as they help you process the emotional challenges of schizophrenia.
  • Social workers: Social workers can connect you with resources in your community, offer support in navigating practical needs, and advocate for your well-being.

Importance of self-advocating

Seeking professional support can be a sign of strength in managing schizophrenia. A trusted healthcare team usually makes a difference in your journey, but your input matters just as much. Being an advocate for your own care frequently means speaking up and actively shaping your treatment path. How do you advocate for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Building a toolkit to help you in moments of uncertainty can be empowering:

  • Cultivating self-awareness: It can be helpful to pay attention to your moods, track medication effects, and identify what seems to worsen or improve your symptoms.
  • Speaking up: When you clearly share your needs and concerns with your healthcare team, they can be better informed. Preparing questions beforehand and asking for clarification when needed can keep you on track.
  • Seeking support: Organizations like NAMI and peer support groups can help you advocate for yourself more effectively.
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Online therapy as a support tool

Navigating schizophrenia often means finding the right combination of support. We all deserve mental health support that works for us. While traditional in-person therapy can offer many benefits, it's understandable if factors like finding the right therapist or navigating logistical challenges get in the way.

Online therapy can provide a convenient alternative. The online format typically offers increased flexibility, potentially making care more attainable. Online platforms can also provide a wider range of therapists from which to choose, likely increasing the chance of finding someone who understands your experiences and challenges.

The path to successfully managing schizophrenia often involves trying different approaches to find what works best for you. Recent studies suggest online therapy holds promise as a complementary tool, offering another effective way to address symptoms and improve your quality of life

Takeaway

While schizophrenia may bring its challenges, your quality of life does not have to be reduced. Understanding this disorder, identifying exacerbating situations, staying committed to treatment, prioritizing self-care, and building a robust support network can help you face ups and downs with greater strength. Online therapy can enhance your journey by providing resources and guidance. Online treatment may offer you the tools you deserve to manage the challenges of schizophrenia with greater confidence.
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