“Which treatment is best for schizophrenia?”

Hi,Thank you for your question. There are many different types of therapies to treat schizophrenia. *Cognitive Behavior Therapy* (CBT) can help change thinking and behavior. A therapist will show you ways to deal with voices and hallucinations. With a combination of CBT sessions and medication, the client can eventually tell what triggers their psychotic episodes (times when hallucinations or delusions flare up) and how to reduce or stop them. CBT can help you feel less distressed about your psychotic experiences, feel less depressed and anxious, reduce alcohol and drug use, deal with suicidal thoughts, and overcome feelings of hopelessness. *Cognitive Enhancement Therapy *(CET) is also called cognitive remediation. It teaches people how to better recognize social cues, or triggers, and improve their attention, memory, and ability to organize their thoughts. It combines computer-based brain training and group sessions. *Psychoeducation* helps people with schizophrenia (and their partner or family) understand the illness. Psychoeducation programs explain about symptoms, treatment options, recovery, and services that can help. You can have psychoeducation individually or in groups. It can include written information, videos, websites, meetings, or discussions with your case manager or psychiatrist. Your family can help you understand your diagnosis and support you in your treatment. Family psychoeducation programs help the person with schizophrenia and their family communicate better and solve problems. Family psychoeducation is also good for family members. It can be very upsetting to see someone you love become unwell with schizophrenia. *Medications* include newer antipsychotic drugs which are also called second-generation or atypical antipsychotics. Theyre newer than the first-generation drugs. They generally cause fewer side effects, such as repetitive or involuntary movements like eye blinking, than older antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics work about equally as well as older drugs. The one exception is clozapine, which is effective against schizophrenia that doesnt respond to other treatments. *Electroconvulsive Therapy* (ECT) which attaches electrodes to the person's scalp. While theyre under general anesthesia, doctors send a small electric shock to the brain. A course of ECT therapy usually involves 2-3 treatments per week for several weeks. Each shock treatment causes a controlled seizure. A series of treatments over time leads to improvement in mood and thinking. Scientists dont fully understand exactly how ECT and the controlled seizures it causes help, although some researchers think that ECT-induced seizures may affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can help when medications no longer work or if severe depression or catatonia makes treating the illness difficult. Living With Schizophrenia Most people with this condition do get better with treatment and support. Exercise, eat healthy foods, manage your stress, and stay connected with your loved ones. Staying mentally and physically strong can help you feel more in charge of your illness and your life. People with schizophrenia do best if they have: - medication and psychological treatment together not just one or the other - medications to manage depression or anxiety, if needed - education about their illness (individual psychoeducation) - a supportive partner, family member or friends involved in their care - access to 24-hour crisis support - a mental health professional who takes care of planning and coordinating their individual care (case management) - support to find and keep a job or continue education - somewhere safe and affordable to live - support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. - I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are usually recommended as the initial treatment for the symptoms of an acute schizophrenic episode. They work by blocking the effect of the chemical dopamine on the brain.

Antipsychotic medications are the best treatment for schizophrenia.