If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you might be wondering what to do next.
The great news is that there are a variety of treatment options available.
An important part of this journey is to explore your options and begin treatment quickly after diagnosis.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
What is the most important information I should know about schizophrenia treatment?
Side Effects
Antipsychotic drugs can have unwanted effects along with their beneficial effects.
Different patients have different treatment responses and side effects to various antipsychotic drugs.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
After a year of stable white blood counts, blood can be drawn monthly.
In addition to concern about side effects, they may worry that such drugs could lead to addiction.
Long-acting injectables (LAI) are given to patients through an injection.
Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia
Therapy is an important part of treatment for schizophrenia.
Speaking openly and honestly with your doctor is a great first step in understanding and ultimately managing your symptoms.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Sharing information and feedback helps to remove a sense of isolation that can often be experienced.
They can also create meaningful connections with peers, learning how to develop and maintain relationships.
Symptoms of the illness can significantly impact relationships.
These treatments are intended to be used alongside traditional therapies and not in place of proven treatments.
Anhedonia, which refers to not experiencing joy or pleasure, is a common symptom of schizophrenia.
CBD that is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC is not considered a controlled substance.
Keep in mind that you may need to be evaluated extensively to verify that the diagnosis is accurate.
There are trained professionals who specialize in the treatment of schizophrenia at each level of care.
Being compliant with your treatment plan is important for overall success.
The main thing is to be patient and talk with your doctor about your experiences.
They need to understand your symptoms to help develop a treatment plan that works well for you.
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