3. Phobia
Phobia may be caused by uncontrollable anxiety and distress, which are fundamental components of schizophrenia. It is manifested by persistent excessive fear when confronted with the object or situation that triggers it. It typically develops rapidly.
Phobias can be very debilitating and may affect the quality of life. They can cause relationship problems and even prevent the person from maintaining employment.
2. Lack Of Motivation To Do Anything
Lack of motivation to do anything, also referred to as avolition may be caused by the fluctuating dopamine levels in the brain. It may also be caused by certain antipsychotic drugs taken by the patient.
This particular symptom puts the person in total stillness for a long period of time. They end up oblivious to their surroundings, exhibiting little interest in engaging in work or other social activities.
1. Decreased Speech Output
Decreased speech output, also known as alogia refers to having trouble communicating verbally. This is often manifested in people with schizophrenia. Total speech output and verbal fluency are reduced.
It may be caused by depression or paranoia brought about by schizophrenia. It may also be caused by the impairment of thought processes brought about by fatigue or stress.
Treatments And Care
Early treatment is recommended upon the onset of symptoms. Psychosocial interventions are one of the common treatments that can be applied in the early stages. These interventions include individual therapy, social skills training, and family therapy.
This particular intervention treatment also includes vocational rehabilitation for job employment opportunities.
The use of medication is essential to the treatment of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications are medication treatments that are most frequently recommended to patients.
These medications can help reduce symptoms by balancing the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Antipsychotic medications come in three categories: second-generation antipsychotics, first-generation antipsychotics, and injectable antipsychotics for long-term use.
Examples of second-generation antipsychotic medications are Asenapine, Brexpiprazole, Clozapine, and Iloperidone. Examples of first-generation antipsychotic medications are Perphenazine, Haloperidol, and Chlorpromazine.
Electroconvulsive therapy is also another treatment for adults with schizophrenia. This particular treatment is beneficial for patients suffering from depression and it could be an alternative treatment if medications don’t work.
Early treatment is essential. It can help patients and their families manage the condition. Most importantly, it can help patients function normally within their environment.
Here are the various schizophrenia treatments and reliefs that you should know about.
15. Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy helps patients overcome their symptoms by modifying their thinking and behavior. For example, they learn how to deal with hallucinations and voices to reduce psychotic episodes.
They get to learn more about the disorder and the various ways to prevent relapse. The various methods they learn from this particular type of therapy help them cope with their symptoms and improve their self-esteem.
14. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of talk therapy that is often used in conjunction with medications to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. In cognitive behavioral therapy, participants work with a psychologist or therapist to modify negative thoughts and behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on understanding how thoughts and feelings interact. The therapy teaches the patient strategies for changing negative thoughts and managing symptoms. It can help people with schizophrenia develop better social skills and reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of relapse.
13. Arts Therapy
A study shows that art therapy increases self-understanding and increases social participation in patients. It is beneficial for them because it helps them express their emotions and communicate with others. Additionally, it can also help them cope with the side effects of medication.
Art therapy can keep the mind active, which can help patients manage their symptoms. They are used in many different settings, including hospitals and private practice.
12. Cognitive Enhancement Therapy
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy or CET is also referred to as cognitive remediation. It is a multidimensional developmental approach for schizophrenia that integrates psychosocial interventions and computer-assisted neurocognition training. It also incorporates social cognitive group exercises to promote illness management and coping strategies.
CET is designed to help participants gain social wisdom and develop successful interpersonal skills. Patients can improve their social and neurocognitive skills and function more independently in daily life.
11. Social Skills Training
Social Skills Training or SST is another type of psychotherapy that involves learning activities and behavioral techniques aimed at improving the functioning of people with schizophrenia.
It is an effective intervention that uses social-behavioral techniques to teach patients how to better interact with others. Patients are taught new skills to improve social and communication interactions.
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