Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition, but there are a range of effective treatment options.
While there’s no cure for schizophrenia, treatment can greatly improve symptoms and reduce the likelihood of them coming back. There are many options, so you can find the best regimen that works best for you.
An integrated approach works best. Treatment typically includes a few elements:
Medications. Antipsychotic drugs reduce immediate symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, and helps stop them from coming back.
Psychological treatments. Many types of therapy will reduce symptoms, relieve stress, and teach self-care methods. Where needed, therapy can also improve social and work skills.
Medication
During a first episode or relapse of psychosis, taking antipsychotic medication reduces the immediate thoughts and behaviors related to the episode. This is effective for the vast majority of people.
Most people will benefit from using medication continuously. Medication can help manage your symptoms and prevent relapse. The improvements are usually fastest within the first 2 weeksTrusted Source, but they can continue to improve over several weeks or months.
Choosing a medication will be a decision made between you and your doctor. A friend, partner, or caregiver may also be part of this decision. Before you start, your doctor should tell you about any possible side effects, how long they might last, and how to manage them.
There are two main classes of antipsychotic medications: typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics.
While there’s no cure for schizophrenia, treatment can greatly improve symptoms and reduce the likelihood of them coming back. There are many options, so you can find the best regimen that works best for you.
An integrated approach works best. Treatment typically includes a few elements:
Medications. Antipsychotic drugs reduce immediate symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, and helps stop them from coming back.
Psychological treatments. Many types of therapy will reduce symptoms, relieve stress, and teach self-care methods. Where needed, therapy can also improve social and work skills.
Medication
During a first episode or relapse of psychosis, taking antipsychotic medication reduces the immediate thoughts and behaviors related to the episode. This is effective for the vast majority of people.
Most people will benefit from using medication continuously. Medication can help manage your symptoms and prevent relapse. The improvements are usually fastest within the first 2 weeksTrusted Source, but they can continue to improve over several weeks or months.
Choosing a medication will be a decision made between you and your doctor. A friend, partner, or caregiver may also be part of this decision. Before you start, your doctor should tell you about any possible side effects, how long they might last, and how to manage them.
There are two main classes of antipsychotic medications: typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics.