To receive an adequate  diagnosis of schizophrenia, start by visiting your family physician. This doctor may be your first line of treatment for schizophrenia. They can conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. If your doctor doesn’t find any medical explanation for your symptoms, they may refer you to a mental health provider for further testing. A  psychiatrist or psychologist may perform a battery of tests to check your mental status and ask questions about your symptoms.  Be honest and upfront about any symptoms you experience. Giving your mental health provider the full picture of your symptoms ensures that you receive the right diagnosis. Your doctor may ask whether you have seen or felt things that others didn’t (hallucinations) or have unshakable beliefs that aren't based in reality (delusions). Medication is typically at the foundation of treatment for schizophrenia. These medications work by improving the balance of chemicals in the brain that make you lose touch with reality. Talk to your doctor to determine which medication is right for you.  The most effective medications for schizophrenia include antipsychotics, particularly second-generation medications that have fewer serious side effects (also known as atypical antipsychotics). Keep in mind, however, that you may have to try several medications before finding the one that best helps you manage your schizophrenia symptoms. Follow your doctor’s orders when taking your medications. Never stop taking your meds unless your doctor has instructed you to, as doing so could lead to serious side effects. If you experience negative side effects from your medication, let your doctor know as soon as possible. They will likely be able to switch you to a different medication. Although medication is the best way to reduce schizophrenia symptoms, many people also find that talk therapy also helps them manage schizophrenia. Psychotherapy may involve educating yourself about how schizophrenia impacts your functioning, helping you cope with stress that exacerbates symptoms, and conducting reality testing. In addition to one-on-one therapy, you might also consider group therapy or family therapy. Both of which can help you learn to better manage living with schizophrenia. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a procedure in which currents are sent through the brain to reverse the symptoms of severe mental illness. When used in combination with medication, ECT has proven to be an effective form of treating severe forms of schizophrenia that are resistant to typical treatments. If you are failing to see improvements from second-generation antipsychotics, you might ask your doctor about ECT.
See a doctor for a thorough diagnosis. Undergo testing. Discuss medication options with your doctor. Consider psychotherapy. Ask about electroconvulsive therapy.