Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is typically characterized by symptoms that fall into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms are those that most individuals do not normally experience but are present in people with schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders. Negative symptoms are associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, such as reduced expression of emotions, reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life, and difficulty beginning and sustaining activities. Cognitive symptoms pertain to changes in their memory or other aspects of thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention, and problems with "working memory" (Nevid et al., 2018).
Treatment for schizophrenia usually involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and coordinated specialty care services. The most commonly prescribed medications for schizophrenia are antipsychotics. These work by affecting the brain's neurotransmitter dopamine to help manage symptoms. The choice of medication can depend on the individual's symptoms, the side effects of the medication, and its interaction with any other medications the individual might be taking (Nevid et al., 2018).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also often used to treat schizophrenia. CBT can help a person with schizophrenia recognize and reduce the impact of their symptoms by challenging their beliefs and interpretations. Family therapy may also be recommended, especially in the early stages of the disorder, to provide education about schizophrenia and strategies to manage symptoms. Or, Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC), which is a holistic approach to treating schizophrenia in its early stages, can be used. CSC involves a team of health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and employment and education specialists who work with the individual to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan typically includes psychotherapy, medication management, family involvement, case management, and work or education support.
References
Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., & Greene, B. (2018).Abnormal psychology in a changing world. Pearson.
