For individuals struggling with schizophrenia, the world can appear to be an illusory, at times hostile place. While diagnosis and treatment of this paralyzing psychological illness is a somewhat complex process, Las Vegas mental health providers are well equipped to do exactly that. Together with a routine drug schedule, a variety of psychotherapeutic and/or psychiatric treatment plans can significantly improve the lives of individuals suffering from this debilitating illness.
Complex by definition, schizophrenia is characterized by the inability or the extreme difficulty a person has in:
?Distinguishing between reality and illusion
?Thinking logically
?Developing emotional responses considered normal
?Engaging in normal behavior
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually include auditory hallucinations, delusional paranoia and scattered speech and thought processes. The disease impacts and can significantly impair a person?s ability to interact with others, keep a job, take public transportation, keep a residence and much more. In addition to the direct symptoms, people with the illness are at a higher risk of abusing substances and committing suicide, as well as struggling with poor health.
Treatment for schizophrenia involves regular use of medicine. It depends on the person, but some mixture of antipsychotic, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication could be the best course. Because of dangerous and/or intolerable side effects, up to 75% of all people on these drugs stop taking them without telling their doctor. Newer, atypical antipsychotic medications have been created to reduce side effects, but the fall-off rate is still high.
It is vital that those suffering from schizophrenia continue taking their prescribed medicines, for treatment of the illness is the only known long-term solution. Put simply, there is no cure, per se. But medicine is only half of the equation. Therapy is another important facet of treatment. Individual psychotherapy isn?t the preferred method, yet it is one option. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT has been shown to be successful in the treatment of schizophrenia as well. By working on a person?s negative thought patterns, positive results can and will ultimately manifest in that person?s life.
Group therapy, too, is instrumental and perhaps the most effective treatment. In these supportive sessions patients learn how to create real-life goals, and to focus on problems and potential remedies. Group therapy is beneficial in that people get the support they need by talking through their thoughts and feelings while helping to minimize social isolation. It is, in effect, a way to help patients learn to interact socially in a positive, effective manner.
Family therapy is another solution, as it can help alleviate stress within a household, teach coping mechanisms and improve support in an all-around sense. Rates of poverty, joblessness and homelessness are greater among people with schizophrenia, but these are, with the appropriate treatment and support, not inevitable outcomes. It is vital for families to build and sustain a positive network so that a loved one suffering from schizophrenia has a place to turn when times are most difficult.
Since treatment is the best cure for schizophrenia, medication will likely be a matter of long-term routine. Therapy ? perhaps individually but definitely in a group setting ? is also imperative. In addition to gaining support from the therapist, other patients and/or friends and family, people with schizophrenia learn to interact socially and may even learn job skills. This is not a homogenous world. There are avenues for success available to all people regardless of their mental state. With the proper schizophrenia treatment, support and understanding, most people living with this disease can move on in spite of it and learn to live fulfilling lives.
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Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends nationally recognized psychiatrist Dr. Zedek for psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. He also helps diagnose and treat anxiety disorders, substance abuse, depression, or any combination of these mental health issues. Dr Zedek brings more than 12 years experience in treating mental health issues for patients in and around Las Vegas.
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