Schizophrenia – A Basic Overview
Schizophrenia was ranked the “third most disabling disorder” – mostly because it not only involves hallucinations and delusions, but also leads to depression, confusion, lack of motivation and strained personal relationships. In recent years, the importance of behavior therapy and support nets has been stressed, in addition to the continuous dosage of a schizophrenia drug like Clozapine. Career counseling, housing assistance and education are extremely helpful to a schizophrenic’s integration into society.
The symptoms of schizophrenia range from hallucinations and delusions to confusion and fear. One sufferer describes his confused mental state: “The television is speaking in coded messages. The man in the box is telling me to be quiet. Tuning out, I try to pick up any clues that the world is bent on killing me. Lost in the chattering voices above my head I stretch my ear trying to hear the noises that keep on buzzing. The breaking point has come.” The wide-ranging emotions associated with this serious mental illness should be treated with a schizophrenia drug first and foremost.
The initial schizophrenia drug was Thorazine, but the side effects were daunting. Often patients would develop a gaunt look and the facial muscles would become rigid and legs and arms would sometimes become immovable. While these “neuroleptics” were effective in treating symptoms like severe hallucinations, delusions and psychotic episodes, they affected the nervous system so much that many patients stopped taking the drugs.
Today, atypical anti-psychotic drugs are popular to treat schizophrenia. These drugs include: Clozapine, Zyprexa and Risperdal. The side effects are far less and it is recommended that white blood cells be monitored to ensure optimal health while on these drugs. Clozapine is said to be one of the most effective drugs on the market, though it’s not as aggressively marketed because it’s not on patent.
While medication is undeniably important, behavior therapy with a mental health association is often underplayed, but has found to be integral in a full recovery. Schizophrenia support sessions can help the sufferer and family understand that this is a fairly common mental disorder that afflicts roughly 2.5 million Americans. However, schizophrenia symptoms can be managed and the schizophrenic can live a productive and meaningful life.
By Health Editor
