PHYSICIAN VOICES
7 Things I Wish My Patients Knew About Treating Schizophrenia

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    Setting Expectations
    My patients with schizophrenia are all different, but they face many of the same challenges and struggles. When I see them, I try to give them the information they need to feel confident about their path going forward.
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    1. There’s new hope for the treatment of schizophrenia.
    Schizophrenia is a manageable disease. With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia, people can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Long gone are the days of institutionalization and incapacitation. People with schizophrenia today are active, productive members of society.
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    2. Finding the right treatment can be a long process.
    Treating and managing schizophrenia can be a lengthy and challenging experience. You may need to try a few medications before you find the proper one to treat your symptoms. Everyone’s symptoms are different; there is no cookie cutter way to describe schizophrenia that applies to everyone. Therefore, it makes sense that one medication may not work for all. If you don't find the right treatment on the first try, don’t give up! Your doctor will continue to work with you until the right medication is found.
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    3. If at first you don’t succeed, try again.
    Finding the best medication for your illness has gotten easier due to new approaches with gene mapping. Although we have not targeted one specific gene that causes schizophrenia, we are now better able to understand several of those involved. These genes are responsible for making and metabolizing the neurotransmitters that are dysfunctional in schizophrenia, and they can be analyzed via gene mapping. With gene mapping, we can look at your biological makeup and learn which medications may work best specifically for your illness. This reduces the time spent trying different medications and gets you feeling healthier faster!
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    4. Staying on medications is important.
    Many people stop taking their medications once they are feeling better. Others stop due to side effects. When you discontinue your medications, your symptoms will eventually return. And every time you stop your medications, you are doing more damage to your brain. People who go untreated for longer periods of time have decreased ability in thinking and relating to the world. If you do not like the side effects of your medications, discuss this with your doctor. Do not stop your meds without the direction of a healthcare provider.
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    5. Long-acting medications can make compliance easier.
    It can be difficult to remember to take medications every day. Long-acting injectables make it easier to manage symptoms and remain compliant. If you’re interested in increasing compliance and reducing the risk of relapse, ask your doctor if there is a long-acting injectable form of your medication.
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    6. Schizophrenia is a neurobiological disease.
    Schizophrenia affects the way you think, act, and view the world. It also comes with additional health concerns, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. People with schizophrenia are also at increased risk for metabolic diseases. Diet and exercise are NOT options for managing schizophrenia but they are a key component to the treatment plan. Instituting a healthy nutrition plan and exercising a few times a week will help manage the symptoms along with the medication.
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    7. Keep your body and your brain active.
    One of the difficult things about having schizophrenia is that the disease itself can make you want to avoid interacting with the world. Treating schizophrenia includes leading a structured lifestyle in which one remains physically and socially active. Joining support groups and engaging in group therapies are great ways to enhance social interaction. Your brain also needs to stay active in order to work and reach its ultimate capacity. Read, write, paint, jump, run, skip; do whatever makes you happy and active.
7 Things I Wish My Patients Knew About Treating Schizophrenia
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THIS CONTENT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. This content is provided for informational purposes and reflects the opinions of the author. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your doctor immediately or call 911.