Treatment

Goal

To learn about main treatment options for people who suffer from Psychosis/Schizophrenia..

Treatment

Psychosis and Schizophrenia can be treated and should be treated right away. In the event of psychosis the time window it takes a person to seek for proper treatment (the duration of untreated psychosis) has a direct impact on the recovery and disease prognosis. Unfortunately, for some people the duration of untreated psychosis may be as long as 100 weeks.

Most of the treatment is done in outpatient units (sometimes after hospitalization period), lasts for years.

The treatment goal is to help the patient get back to normal life, find occupation, and to decrease possibility of relapse.

The treatment includes follow up by a psychiatrist. This is extremely important in order to keep the patient stabilized using medications and making sure that medications are taken properly.

An important part of rehabilitation is having friends and family support and keeping a low stress levels. NAMI is a group that provides a good source of information and support for family members of people with schizophrenia (see resources).

State of the art Treatment includes:

• Specialized assessment.
• Medication (such as anti-psychotics for positive symptoms).
• Resiliency training - managing stress, acquiring problem solving techniques.
• Individual/group therapy that helps to cope with the illness and accompanied stress.
• Family groups and psychoeducation.
• Individual placement - Working with specialists in order to get the patients back to their normal routine, going back to school/work or finding a new job.

Treatment outcome of schizophrenia is mostly relief of symptoms, with possibility of relapse, however some patients recover completely. Research so far shows that in most cases of schizophrenia (behavioral changes and/or symptoms for at least six months) complete cure is less common.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources related to Schizophrenia:

• Quiz to check symptoms of early psychosis http://behavioral.northshorelij.com/assessment/health-risk-assessment/
• Early Treatment Program at Zucker Hillside Hospital.
  Information about possibilities to receive treatment for Schizophrenia, or if someone has concerns about themselves or a loved one.
  Phone number : (718) 470-8888
  https://www.northshorelij.com/find-care/services-we-offer/early-treatment-program
• NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) site.
  Information on schizophrenia and support for families.
  Phone (Helpline): 800-950-NAMI
  https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia
• Site with information about Psychosis. http://www.psychosis101.ca/

Next Step

Hear from Dr. John Kane (MD) about state of the art treatment for those who suffer from first episode psychosis.