Things to Remember for a Successful Life with Schizophrenia

For a Successful life with schizophrenia- Dr B.R Madhukar Advice

• How will a family member identify if someone is suffering from Schizophrenia?

It is crucial to understand that many of the observations by a family member will help in a long way to diagnose illness like Schizophrenia in their close one.

What could be most useful from a family members point of view is to look at any abnormal behaviors in the person such as social withdrawal, not taking care of one’s personal hygiene and also changes in their emotional states such as anger issues and frustration?

Sometimes you can also see behaviors like talking to themselves when there is nobody also. These observations will bring in some questions as to why is he/she doing that? Now schizophrenia could well be one of the reasons for that abnormal behavior. Having observed these changes in their behavior, the next question would be – is he having a mental illness? And, that is when you need to visit a mental health professional for the right help.

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• When do you need hospital or rehab for Schizophrenia?

When the individual behaves aggressively, has suicidal thoughts or hearing voices which is asking them to harm themselves. Such instances need hospitalization so that they can start their medication. If the illness has gone on for a long time where hospitalization alone is not enough or the individual is socially withdrawn, then rehabilitation center will help to get back their life.

• What are the treatment options for Schizophrenia?

Having diagnosed illness like schizophrenia first and foremost would be to discuss with the family members and perhaps the patients about the available alternative treatment options.

• Antipsychotic medication is the most important part of the treatment. And, you have to take into account the possible side effects which the medicines may cause. If somebody relies on oral tablets, then that would be the right way of starting medications. Start on a small dosage and gradually reduce the dosage.

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• There are are a variety of psychotic medications available including in inject-able forms. It may be useful in some people who for some reason are not either so regular in taking tablets or complain of side effects particularly drugs which may prevent them from taking medication.
• It’s important to have counseling for the family members and for the individuals. Because many of them feel scared about the consequences of medications and the illness that can affect them. So counseling is also equally important and it should be along with the medication apart from these two.
• There are some instances where people with schizophrenia have difficulty in being managed at home. They may need hospitalization for short periods of time to control their symptoms. And in some instances, they cannot be manageable in the society. To get back the skills, they need to get into a rehabilitation center.
• Electroconvulsive therapy is a form of treatment useful when there are indications that a person either has suicidal thoughts or is taking a long time to respond to the medication. ECT is beneficial with medication.

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What can improve the chances of recovery for Schizophrenic?

The slightest of observations can help in early recovery from schizophrenia. It is also crucial to make sure the individuals follow their medications regularly. And, addressing all the side effects can help in giving the moral support to help the individual recover faster.

Reach us for living a healthy life with Schizophrenia

Recovery takes time and you are not alone in this. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with a support group is enlightening and helpful for many.

Visiting a psychiatrist can do a lot of help. Call us today at 96111 94949 to get to know more about living a successful life with schizophrenia or visit Cadabam’s.

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