While there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are treatment options that aim to reduce symptoms and teach those affected how to manage their day to day lives. In 1952, Chlorpromazine became the first typical antipsychotic medication that would effectively reduce hallucinations and delusions by blocking dopamine receptors. Continuous drug discovery has allowed for atypical antipsychotics. Rather than being limited to only blocking dopamine receptors, atypical antipsychotics also block serotonin receptors, which allows for the elevated levels of serotonin in schizophrenics to become balanced. With atypical antipsychotics, tremors are often reported as a common side effect because dopamine is involved in processing movement related neurons. In addition to the antipsychotics, schizophrenics are also typically prescribed anti-tremor medications. Aside from pharmacological treatment, cognitive behavior therapy is recommended to restructure undesirable thoughts and behaviors. Shown to be the most effective treatment, cognitive behavior therapy is intended to be supplemental to antipsychotic medication. Utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, schizophrenic patients may learn to replace negative thoughts and behaviors constructively, distinguish reality from hallucinations or delusions, and develop coping skills; while antipsychotics treat symptoms of psychosis. Additionally, the use of atypical antipsychotics is associated with a longer life in comparison to the absence of antipsychotics.
Prognosis of schizophrenia
Genetics of post-traumatic stress disorder
Epidemiology of attention deficit hyperactive disorder
Epidemiology of schizophrenia
Comparison of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Treatments for PTSD
Assessment of suicide risk
Management of schizophrenia