Read up on Schizophrenia treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Schizophrenia

Key points about treatments

Schizophrenia is a mental health problem that affects the way you think and feel. It can be frightening and hard to live with. If you've been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may worry that you won't be able to live a normal life. But the right treatments can help people with schizophrenia to live more independently.

Key points about treating schizophrenia

The only treatment we know that works when you're getting psychotic symptoms (like hearing voices) is taking antipsychotics.
You will probably have to keep taking antipsychotics to stop your symptoms coming back (doctors call this a relapse).
When your symptoms are under control, family therapy and education can help you to avoid having a relapse and to cope better with schizophrenia.
All antipsychotic medications have side effects but you may find one suits you better than another.
Taking antipsychotics for six months can help you avoid a relapse.
There are other things that can help when you're being treated for schizophrenia. To find out more, see What can I expect from treatment?

This information was last updated on Nov 06, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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