What Is The "Best" Therapy For Schizophrenia?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it's crucial to obtain the appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and live a healthy, functional life. As with any neuropsychiatric disease, schizophrenia can impact you and your life in various ways. Seeking professional help, such as cognitive behavior therapy or coordinated specialty care, as soon as possible can be important for reducing the impact of this illness.
Often, medications like atypical antipsychotics alone do not completely alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia. In cases where pharmacotherapy alone is not working, psychotherapy, along with other treatments, is often a recommended intervention. For example, research indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy may help people manage the mood and anxiety disorders that often accompany severe symptoms of schizophrenia. Read on to discover how different psychotherapy methods may help improve anxiety, mood, and other mental health symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
Is schizophrenia a mental health disorder?
Schizophrenia is a serious, diagnosable mental health disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to think, manage their emotions, and interpret their perceptions of the world around them. People with schizophrenia might develop thoughts that are not based in reality. They could experience delusions, hallucinations, and difficulty with concentration and motivation.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary somewhat depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms, but they commonly include:
- Delusions: A person with schizophrenia may have false beliefs that have no apparent foundation in reality.
- Hallucinations: These can be visual and/or auditory, and the person experiencing them can’t usually tell that what they’re seeing or hearing isn’t real.
- Abnormal motor behavior: A person with schizophrenia may find it difficult to start or accomplish tasks. Often, they may resist instructions, not respond to requests, or engage in excessive movement.
- Disorganized speech: Communication abilities can be impaired, resulting in speech that is filled with words that aren’t understandable to others.
- Other symptoms: Other symptoms of schizophrenia may include not taking care of personal hygiene, lacking facial expressions when talking, speaking in a monotone voice, experiencing substance misuse, withdrawing from social interactions, and being unable to experience pleasure.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Why early intervention can be important
Experiencing a combination of these symptoms could be a warning sign that you or someone you may know may be experiencing schizophrenia and should seek the advice of a healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention may prevent crises and lead to better long-term outcomes through targeted treatments.
Diagnosing this mental health disorder
To answer the question, "Do I have schizophrenia?", you’ll need to receive an evaluation and diagnosis from a mental health professional. Like any mental health or medical condition, a typical first step in diagnosing schizophrenia is conducting a full physical examination to rule out other health problems. A therapist or psychiatrist will typically use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to determine if a patient meets the diagnostic criteria.
Then, the method of diagnosis will turn toward psychiatric needs. The doctor will talk with the patient about their thoughts, feelings, and emotional support needs. They will discuss hallucinations, delusions, drug and alcohol use, moods, etc. All these factors will help the doctor to narrow down the potential cause of the symptoms and come closer to making a diagnosis. At that point, the final diagnosis may be made, and a suitable treatment plan, such as group sessions or self-help groups, will begin.
Types of schizophrenia
Decades ago, doctors used to categorize schizophrenia into five different subtypes: residual, paranoid, undifferentiated, disorganized, and catatonic. These categories of schizophrenia no longer exist due to recent studies and guidelines by the American Psychiatric Association. Now, schizophrenia is thought of as a spectrum, which includes various illnesses with symptoms that can differ in severity.
Treatment: Medication, therapy, and other approaches
Treatment for schizophrenia usually focuses on managing the symptoms. Treatment usually consists of some combination of medication and therapy, though alternative supplemental treatments may also be considered in some cases.
Types of therapy
While schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, there are several treatments that research suggests can help people effectively manage this condition. Treatment usually involves aiming to help a person better control their behavior, moods, and delusions and prevent relapse. Most people require a combination of treatment types, usually consisting of first- or second-generation antipsychotic medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive enhancement therapy, CET, or other psychosocial interventions. It may require a full treatment team to provide medication, psychosocial interventions, social skills training, and stress-management tools.
Managing symptoms with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
The "best" therapy for schizophrenia symptoms may be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT for schizophrenia can help the patient by teaching them how to approach negative thought patterns. According to the American Psychiatric Association, CBT focuses on changing the way a person thinks in order to promote more positive behaviors and emotions.
Cognitive remediation therapy
Cognitive remediation therapy, also known as CRT, is a type of psychosocial therapy that can also be used to treat severe mental disorders like schizophrenia. It is considered one of the more successful therapy methods.
The focus of CRT is to improve cognitive processes, such as social cognition, executive function, attention, and memory, so that persons living with schizophrenia can improve their performance in everyday life and solve problems more effectively. Computer programs are often used in the teaching process, which can vary in length and complexity.
Assertive community treatment (ACT)
Assertive community treatment (ACT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to providing community care for individuals with severe and persistent mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia. The ACT model emphasizes a multidisciplinary team approach—often including professionals like psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and other mental health experts—to deliver personalized and coordinated care to clients.
The goal of ACT is to help people achieve stability, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance their overall quality of life through community care. ACT often involves intensive, individualized support in areas such as medication management, housing, job counseling, supported employment, and social skills development.
Mental health medication
Again, the most common form of treatment for schizophrenia is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Second-generation antipsychotics are some of the most common medications prescribed for this illness. The purpose of these medications is to ease and/or eliminate the delusions and hallucinations that a person may be experiencing. They can come in a liquid, pill, or injection form and may be recommended as a life-long course of treatment.
Like with all medications that deal with the chemistry of the brain, there can be some side effects with antipsychotics and related mental health medications. Discussing your health information with a medical professional or a therapist for schizophrenia beforehand will assist in arriving at a diagnosis of schizophrenia and determining which medication will work best for its treatment. Be sure to consult with a doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
The most common adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Rarely, antipsychotic medications can also cause seizures, low white blood cell count, constipation and nausea, and low blood pressure. Older-generation antipsychotics use a hormone called prolactin that can result in lower sex drive, affected mood, and the enlargement of breast tissue. Newer-generation antipsychotics are more prone to causing weight gain and increasing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Controlled trial studies help assess these side effects and their prevalence.
Effectiveness and side effects of electroconvulsive treatment
Also known as ECT, the National Institute of Mental Health considers electroconvulsive therapy to be one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The process involves a general anesthetic being administered to relax the muscles. Then electrodes are placed on the scalp, and a finely controlled electric current is administered for a short period of time. These sessions take place several times a week for a period of two to four weeks. Some common side effects of ECT include headaches, memory loss, muscle aches, and upset stomach.
Online support to help signs of mental illness
Symptoms of schizophrenia can be severe and may sometimes require immediate in-person treatment and/or hospitalization. However, once a person has been diagnosed and started on a treatment plan with the help of their doctor or psychiatrist, online therapy may sometimes be a viable option for additional support.
With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist according to your specific needs and preferences as outlined in a brief questionnaire. Then, you can meet with them remotely from anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests that online counseling may help reduce stress levels in people with schizophrenia who also reported a higher level of social support.
Takeaway
Psychotherapy is usually a key component of treatment for schizophrenia in combination with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, assertive community treatment, and cognitive remediation therapy are examples of some therapy modalities that may be used. If you’re experiencing signs of a mental illness like schizophrenia, it’s recommended that you seek support from a licensed healthcare provider as soon as possible. Treatment is available.
What is first-line treatment, and are there side effects?
Antipsychotic drugs are typically the first-line treatment for schizophrenia. Some people experience side effects taking this type of medication, including restlessness, weight gain, dry mouth, and sexual problems. Long-term use of antipsychotics may also be associated with tardive dyskinesia.
What are some forms of mental health treatment for schizophrenia?
Forms of therapy associated with positive outcomes in schizophrenia treatment include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Assertive community treatment
- Family therapy
- Art therapy
- Cognitive remediation therapy
Rehabilitation programs and support groups may also be recommended in addition to individual therapy. A support group in particular could help individuals with schizophrenia deal with negative emotions and increase social functioning through positive reinforcement.
What is the best therapy for schizophrenia?
Psychotherapy (sometimes referred to as talk therapy) may work to manage schizophrenia in some cases, but it is often combined with schizophrenia medications for the most successful treatment. Other types of therapy may be used to support people with schizophrenia, including occupational therapy, vocational training, and family education programs to improve family dynamics.
What are some early warning signs of mental illness?
Some early warning signs of schizophrenia may include paranoia, sudden mood swings, insomnia, emotional blunting, and a loss of interest in hobbies, for example.
What are three stages of schizophrenia?
The three stages of schizophrenia are the prodromal, active, and residual phases:
- Prodromal: Symptoms such as social withdrawal, problems with motivation, and concentration difficulties may begin to surface.
- Active: Positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions may occur. The individual may experience their first psychotic episode. During this phase, the person may be encouraged to go to a psychiatric ward or hospital voluntarily until they’re mentally stable.
- Residual: Some positive symptoms may subside, but negative symptoms such as low mood and social isolation may persist.
Can I treat schizophrenia without medication?
Yes, but schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, and the treatment may not be as successful without medication. In many cases, you might still experience distress after a therapist teaches you coping skills for dealing with negative emotions and symptoms of schizophrenia. Moreover, the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia can be overwhelming and cause problems maintaining healthy relationships and daily functioning. More often than not, medication is the right treatment approach.
What is the most successful schizophrenia treatment?
While antipsychotic medication is considered the first-line treatment for schizophrenia, it is usually most successful when combined with other treatment options like therapy and family support or social support. This multifaceted approach may be particularly important for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
What treatments may worsen schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness. Still, there are many things that can worsen schizophrenia, including sleep problems, stress, substance use, lack of medication or treatment adherence, and co-occurring mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mental health conditions like PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder can be common in people with schizophrenia.
What is first choice treatment for schizophrenia?
The first choice in terms of treatment approach for psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is antipsychotic medication. Alternative and complementary treatments may include psychotherapy, CBD treatment, deep brain stimulation, healthy diet, and melatonin.
What is the most common trigger for schizophrenia?
Stressful events like losing a job, getting divorced, or experiencing abuse can trigger schizophrenia in some people.
- Previous Article
- Next Article