Remember watching Brad Pitt in World War Z? The one where he single-handedly found a cure for Solanum (The Zombie Survival Guide Chapter Summary & Analysis – Introduction and The Undead: Myths and Realities: Solanum: The Virus Summary, n.d., para 1) and saved the human race? If finding a perfect cure for people with schizophrenia were as easy as injecting a serum into one’s arm, then the human race would have evolved from physical forms years ago. Although no permanent, completely successful treatment has been developed for schizophrenia, there are a plethora of highly effective treatments available.

If one is schizophrenic, one of the most prevalent options is to treat the disease with medication, particularly antipsychotics. The main reason that antipsychotics are so effective in reducing symptoms is because of its ability to alter the chemical balance of the brain (“Schizophrenia – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment of Schizophrenia – NY Times Health Information,” n.d.,para 1), which is already imbalanced due to the disease (“Helpful Hints about Schizophrenia for Family Members and Others,” n.d., para 5). The medication helps by reducing frequency and severity of hallucinations and other symptoms, but can lead to serious complications such as trembling and muscle spasms (Psych Central: Schizophrenia Treatment,” n.d., para 3). Also, no matter how effective it is at treating the symptoms, it does not cure the disease and taking medication is generally life long.

In addition to medication, psychotherapy is popularly paired with medication.  Many schizophrenics have difficulties with communication and daily grooming. Psychotherapy is highly successful in helping one master these daily functions in order to help succeed in these daily functions (“Helpful Hints about Schizophrenia for Family Members and Others,” n.d., para 2). Psychotherapy is also effective in developing the social skills that some schizophrenics are impaired in and helps them lead balanced lives. With time, both psychotherapy and medications can greatly improve the living quality of schizophrenics.

Although being schizophrenic is by no means easy, the impact familial support can have is noticeable. The most helpful action a family can give is support, as well as aid in helping them lead a relatively healthy life by setting attainable goals (“Helpful Hints about Schizophrenia for Family Members and Others,” n.d., para 4).

            These three factors in treatment are essential in order for one’s condition to improve. They might not be perfect, but they are the most effective options currently available and generally help one live a stable life.

References:

Helpful Hints about Schizophrenia for Family Members and Others | Psych Central. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/helpful-hints-about-schizophrenia-for-family-members-and-others/000706

Psych Central: Schizophrenia Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx31t.htm

Schizophrenia – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment of Schizophrenia – NY Times Health Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/schizophrenia/overview.html#Symptoms

The Zombie Survival Guide Chapter Summary & Analysis – Introduction and The Undead: Myths and Realities: Solanum: The Virus Summary | BookRags.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-the-zombie-survival-guide/chapanal001.html