In my last post, I wrote about what is schizophrenia and the symptoms. With the knowledge that schizophrenia presents two sets of symptoms, positive and negative, does it mean there are various treatments specific for each group of symptoms?
The treatments for schizophrenia typically involve anti-psychotic medication and psychotherapy. Anti-psychotics consist of first- and second-generation and both have proven over the years to be generally effective in treating and/or relieving the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, coupled with psychotherapy.
Negative symptoms impact greatly on a person’s quality of life and affect their ability to experience a normal life. It is also the most difficult to cope for the families of schizophrenia sufferers. However, effective treatments for negative symptoms have yet to be discovered or as straightforward, according to articles from Harvard Health Publishing and a schizophrenia-focused UK social enterprise. But both articles seem to agree that psychosocial treatments are more effective in treating negative symptoms.
Psychosocial treatments include different types of psychotherapy and social and vocational training, and aim to provide support, education and guidance to people with mental illness and their families. I noticed my family member has been in better condition since resuming anti-psychotics, attending elder daycare that provides social and physical activities, as well as increased social interactions with other family members.
Schizophrenia is a lifelong affliction and in the absence of effective treatments, caregivers need to know the importance of psychosocial treatments and a support network that are crucial in managing negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Hands to Heads 