Schizophrenia Treatment
Learning from PCP? Because of the remarkable
similarities between the effects of phencyclidine (PCP, or "angel
dust") and the symptoms of schizophrenia, scientists believe that both
have to do with an imbalance of the same neurotransmitter, glutamate.
For this reason, scientists are now hopeful that drugs that affect the
amount of glutamate will prove effective [source: Berenson]. |
Antipsychotic drugs affect the amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in your brain by blocking dopamine receptors. When their effectiveness in fighting schizophrenia was first discovered in the 1950s, scientists came to the conclusion that an improper balance of dopamine in the brain led to schizophrenia. However, with the 1980s came the development of new atypical antipsychotics that inhibited dopamine receptors less and that of other neurotransmitters more. When these proved effective in fighting more symptoms and causing fewer side effects, it prompted a reexamination of other neurotransmitters' role in schizophrenia. Although older versions of antipsychotics are only effective in fighting positive symptoms of the disorder, atypical antipsychotics treat negative symptoms as well. Finding the appropriate medicine and dosage for each patient can be a difficult process, as side effects vary depending on the individual.
The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol While substance abuse probably cannot cause schizophrenia, it is more common among schizophrenics than in the general population. Addictions to nicotine, for instance, are three times more common for those with schizophrenia [source: NIMH].
Unfortunately, those schizophrenics who are also substance abusers are
not only more likely to be violent, but also less likely to continue
taking treatment for the disorder. In addition, marijuana, PCP and certain stimulants can exacerbate schizophrenic symptoms [Source: NIMH].
Some studies indicate that smoking can prevent antipsychotic
medications from working effectively. On the other hand, one study
suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine could actually help relieve symptoms of schizophrenia [source: Melton].
Although the authors of the study warn that negative effects of the
drug make it too dangerous to be used for treatment in itself, it
offers hope for developing other effective drugs. |
In addition to medications, other treatments for schizophrenia can help, such as community support activities and psychotherapy. Community support activities can include training schizophrenic people in particular skills to help them become contributing members of society. Psychotherapy can add structure and confidence to the patient's life, increasing their ability to perform daily activities and chores on their own. Group therapy and family therapy have been shown to help as well [source: Grohol].
Despite falling out of favor in the mid-20th century, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (also known as shock therapy) is still practiced for such disorders as schizophrenia and severe depression. About 100,000 Americans receive ECT every year [source: Mayo Clinic]. Though the process has changed dramatically since its first inception in the 1930s, it remains controversial. In ECT, electric currents sent to your brain cause seizures and change chemical activity. Though no one is sure how exactly it works, after recurring treatments, it may improve schizophrenic symptoms.
Explore links on the next page to learn more about how mental disorders work.
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