Doctor may suggest the following treatments to patient:
(1) Medications
Medications can reduce or eliminate the positive symptoms of patient effectively, e.g. delusion, hallucinations and disordered thoughts. Medications can also control anxiety and help the patient to get back to real life. But there are also side effects, e.g. stiffness of muscles, slow movement, shaky hands, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, fast heartbeat and gaining weight.
Doctor usually prescribes two kinds of antipsychotics (drugs for mental illnesses), which are typical antipsychotics (e.g. Haloperidol, Thioridazine and Fluphenazine) and atypical antipsychotics (e.g. Clozapine, Risperidone and Olanzapine). Doctor will prescribe different kinds of medications depending on the patient’s condition, status of medication and the patient’s reaction to drugs. Both kinds of medications may have different side effects.
(2) Adjuvant treatment
Rehabilitation can help and train patient to face and manage daily life. Depending on individual condition, medical professionals will set out appropriate treatment programme for patient, e.g. self-care training (including personal hygiene, cooking, household safety, adaptation to community and use of money), work ability training, stress management and interpersonal skills with family members.
Family support is particularly important for patient. If the patient’s family faces schizophrenia in a right attitude, supports the patient with care to follow the treatment programme and keeps watch of the changes of condition and symptoms, patient will be better rehabbed. However, family members shall also pay attention to their own physical and mental health, learn how to relax and seek help if needed when taking care of the patient. Family members should avoid expressing critical comments, adopting hostile attitude and harboring emotional over-involvement towards the patient. These undesirable attitudes (high expressed emotions) have been shown by research to increase relapse rate of schizophrenic illness.
The environment will affect treatment. Usually places where patient feel most comfortable will be chosen, e.g. home treatment. If there is special need, patient may need to be hospitalized.