Treatment of schizophrenia

Starting the path of treatment for schizophrenia (psychosis) may seem challenging, but this path is a promising journey towards stability, peace and improved quality of life. Schizophrenia is a complex illness that affects a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior, but it does not mean the end of a normal life. With scientific advances, there are effective treatments available to help people manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. A proper understanding of this disease and the available options is the first and most important step in treating schizophrenia. What is schizophrenia and why is it important to know it? Psychosis is a serious mental disorder that affects a person's way of thinking, feeling and understanding reality. People with this disease may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), delusions (false and irrational beliefs). This disease usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and can disrupt a person's social, professional and family life. Recognizing the symptoms of this disease is very important, because early diagnosis and intervention significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and prevent the problems from deepening. Accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating schizophrenia Correct diagnosis of schizophrenia is the basis of a successful treatment plan. This process is not done with a simple test, but requires a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist or psychiatrist. The doctor reaches the final diagnosis by reviewing the medical records, performing physical and psychological examinations and ruling out other possible diseases. Accurate diagnosis helps to choose the best approach for treatment and avoid prescribing inappropriate drugs or ineffective treatment methods. The main steps in the diagnosis process are: - **Clinical interview:** Talking with the patient and family to identify their symptoms and history - **Medical examinations:** Performing various tests to ensure that the symptoms are not caused by other diseases - **Psychiatric evaluation:** observation of the patient's behavior, thoughts and moods by a specialist The main methods of treating schizophrenia Schizophrenia treatment has a multidimensional approach, and for this reason, effective treatment is usually a combination of different methods to achieve the best result. This treatment plan is completely personalized, because the choice of treatment type depends on the severity of the symptoms, the physical and mental conditions of the patient, and the accurate diagnosis of the specialist. In fact, no two patients go through the same treatment path. In the following, we discuss the most important treatment methods. ### drug therapy; Symptom control with physician supervision Antipsychotic drugs are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. These drugs help control symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions by affecting brain chemicals such as dopamine. Regular and careful use of medications under the supervision of a specialist doctor is very important, because stopping them arbitrarily can lead to a severe return of symptoms. With continuous evaluation, the doctor determines the best medicine and the right dose for the patient so that side effects are minimized and the effectiveness of the treatment is at the highest possible level. ### Psychotherapy; Learning coping skills Psychotherapy helps people with schizophrenia and their families cope better with the challenges of this illness. This method alone is not enough, but along with drug therapy, it plays a very effective complementary role and helps to improve social skills, reduce stress and better manage daily life. Treatment with the help of psychotherapy makes a person more ready to return to society. Some effective psychotherapy approaches include the following: - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): helping to identify and change dysfunctional thought and behavioral patterns - Teaching social skills: strengthening communication skills and interacting with others - Family therapy: teaching family members to better support the patient ### Complementary treatments and social rehabilitation In addition to medication and psychotherapy, rehabilitation programs also play an important role in the treatment of schizophrenia. These programs are designed to help patients live an independent and meaningful life. Services such as occupational therapy, job support and support groups help a person learn the skills necessary for daily life, find a suitable job and maintain social relationships. This holistic approach helps a person go beyond symptom control and return to a dynamic and active life. Brain stimulation therapies: a new hope Brain stimulation treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are among the new methods used in treatment-resistant cases. By electrically or magnetically stimulating certain areas of the brain, these techniques help to re-regulate neural activity and reduce the severe symptoms of psychosis. These procedures are performed under the close supervision of the medical team and can be a very effective treatment option for patients who have not responded well to medications. The role of the family in the treatment of schizophrenia Continuous follow-up of schizophrenia treatment is necessary to prevent the return of symptoms and long-term improvement. Without treatment, the symptoms of the disease can become more severe and lead to serious problems in relationships, education and work. Meanwhile, family support is one of the most powerful factors in the success of treatment. When the family provides a safe, accepting and non-blaming environment, the individual will be more motivated to continue treatment. Educating the family about the disease and how to properly deal with its challenges can reduce stress in the home environment and help the patient recover faster. Nurali Clinic; Best for treating schizophrenia The path to treating schizophrenia is a complex journey that goes beyond the prescription of a drug; This path requires comprehensive support from a multispecialty team and access to the latest advanced medical equipment. Nurali neurology clinic is ready to accompany you and your loved ones on this path by using the best neurologists and psychiatrists in the country as well as using the latest treatment approaches. If you are looking for an effective solution to treat schizophrenia, contact us today