Schizophrenia Symptoms & Treatment: Benefits Of Schizophrenia Therapy

Those living with a mental illness must often pursue treatment to live life as healthily as possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with the symptoms of schizophrenia, you may be considering your options for treatment. As you explore the different types of therapy and treatments available to manage schizophrenia in teens and adults, keep in mind that managing symptoms can take time. Often, it is only through trial and error that you can find the right combination of therapy options and tools that work most effectively for you or your loved one.

Schizophrenia overview

The American Psychiatric Association describes schizophrenia as "a serious mental illness characterized by incoherent or illogical thoughts, bizarre behavior and speech, and delusions or hallucinations, such as hearing voices.” Most people develop this condition in their late teens to mid-30s. People can experience different levels of this mental illness, and not everyone has all of the same symptoms or the same risk level. Some people may not experience early psychosis but rather more subtle signs, such as a drop in academic performance or a change in friends. It's also possible for symptoms and clinical features to change over the course of someone's life. In some cases, symptoms can look like schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, so it’s crucial for a licensed mental health professional to diagnose schizophrenia.

Symptoms of schizophrenia

The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, defines schizophrenia as a psychotic disorder in which someone has two or more of the following symptoms or meets diagnostic criteria for an extended amount of time:

If you find yourself wondering, "Do I have schizophrenia?" You can read more about the symptoms of schizophrenia on the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website.

How schizophrenia is diagnosed

When diagnosing schizophrenia, clinicians use guidelines from the DSM-5. They consult this manual in order to compare symptoms and decide whether an individual’s mental state warrants a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia. 

Diagnostic criteria and professional evaluation

During a professional evaluation, a mental health professional will evaluate an individual’s symptoms and compare them to the criteria listed in the DSM-5. They’ll consider not only whether symptoms are present but also to what degree they affect the person on a daily basis. 

When to seek urgent evaluation

There may be instances when it’s advisable to seek an urgent evaluation for schizophrenia or other serious mental health conditions. Some signs you’re experiencing a mental health emergency include: 

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Severe paranoia
• Severe confusion
• Aggression or violent behavior
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Thoughts of hurting someone else
• Inability to complete basic self-care, such as personal hygiene

Schizophrenia treatment options and mental health

Although there is no cure known to treat the medical condition of schizophrenia, there is ongoing research looking for additional forms of treatment and ultimately, a cure. However, the most effective treatment available may be a specific plan that caters to each person’s individual needs. These treatment plans are generally made by the person living with schizophrenia in conjunction with a treatment team, including a mental health professional and medical provider. 

Antipsychotic medications and side effects

The main form of schizophrenia treatment available currently is antipsychotic medication. The medications used to treat schizophrenia are believed to be beneficial to the patient because they impact dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. These medications are known as typical antipsychotics, as opposed to second-generation medications (also known as atypical antipsychotics) or second-generation antipsychotics, which block dopamine and serotonin receptors.

Second-generation antipsychotic medications

As serotonin-dopamine antagonists, second-generation antipsychotic medications (or atypical antipsychotics) block dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors in order to manage symptoms of schizophrenia. These types of medications are most commonly used to treat the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but may be useful for relieving negative symptoms as well.

What to expect when taking medication for schizophrenia

There are several things to keep in mind when taking antipsychotic medication to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, including adverse effects:

• When it comes to the dosing for schizophrenia medication, the ultimate goal for long-term treatment may be to prescribe the lowest dosage possible for the patient to still see positive effects, along with a reduction in schizophrenia symptoms without severe side effects or long-term risks.
• This process can take time. Patients with schizophrenia generally need to continue working with a psychiatrist and health care team who can monitor the medication that they are on. It can take weeks to be able to see if a medication is beneficial. 
• It’s also worth keeping in mind that some antipsychotic medications can cause adverse side effects and unwanted feelings in people with schizophrenia. 
• Many antipsychotics used in schizophrenia treatment plans can cause weight gain, and long-term use of some antipsychotics can cause movement disorders, like tardive dyskinesia. 
• Individuals with schizophrenia may want to weigh both the benefits and possible side effects when deciding if the risks are worth the potential positive outcomes.

Treatment with additional medications

Along with antipsychotic medications, people may need to take more medication, such as anti-anxiety medications or mood stabilizers. This can help them make more progress in overcoming their symptoms.

One concern with medication is that the patient will not take the medication as needed. If someone stops taking the medication without consulting their psychiatrist or doctor, they may start to experience worsening symptoms. Some people may be reluctant to take the medication because of the adverse side effects that could occur. However, for many people with schizophrenia, medication is a necessary form of treatment to help get the disorder under control.

Individual schizophrenia therapy for people with schizophrenia

Talking therapy sessions for schizophrenia can be important for helping people with schizophrenia improve their coping skills, learn how to control stress and anxiety, and learn to recognize the early warning signs of severe symptoms. If they can learn how to identify and work through these problems early on, they may be able to address the symptoms more productively as they arise. In some cases, there may be comorbid mental health conditions that benefit from treatment and support services in tandem. These may include anxiety and moderate to severe depression.

Types of therapy for people with schizophrenia

Options for schizophrenia therapies include psychosocial, cognitive behavioral, cognitive enhancement, cognitive remediation, arts therapies, and electroconvulsive therapy. 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people with schizophrenia recognize negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. 
• Psychosocial therapy for schizophrenia can be one piece of the puzzle in psychosocial interventions that include motivational enhancement, case management, relapse prevention, and more. 
• These psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia can be helpful as an early intervention in restructuring thinking and responding to stress. 
• You can learn about the other treatments available in individual therapy for people with schizophrenia on BetterHelp’s advice page.

Support groups for managing schizophrenia symptoms

Support groups and self-help groups can also be useful social tools for those with a mental illness like schizophrenia. Group sessions may be led by a peer support specialist who has personal experience with mental illness or mental health professionals, such as a therapist. A support group may also help individuals with social interactions and skills training or discover self-management techniques from others coping with the same or similar symptoms. On the National Alliance on Mental Health website, you can find peer support groups around the country to help with everything from stress management to substance misuse. Some support groups are focused on peer support and care, whereas others may be marketed toward family members of those with schizophrenia.

Family and group therapy

While individual or group therapy can be very important for someone living with schizophrenia, a family intervention can assist the familial unit in supporting a relative with this condition. The symptoms of schizophrenia can cause tension and frustration within relationships. Attending family therapy and receiving family education about this neuropsychiatric disease can lead to more understanding within the family. It can be an effective way for family members to solve problems, get their questions answered, and find the support that they need. 

Vocational rehabilitation

The purpose of vocational rehabilitation is to help people with schizophrenia learn the skills that they need to be able to find employment opportunities and then keep jobs once they have them. People with this disorder can work, live, and improve their quality of life when they can receive effective mental health care to get chronic schizophrenia symptoms under control. This may include maintenance therapy and relapse prevention support from a qualified mental healthcare professional. Assertive community treatment (ACT) is another type of community-based treatment that may include vocational rehabilitation and supported employment, along with reaching other goals, such as reducing homelessness and long hospital stays.

Electroconvulsive therapy

In some cases, individuals with schizophrenia may benefit from high-level medical support options like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is done under anesthesia with a medical doctor. Talk to your primary care provider or psychiatrist to learn more about this treatment option.

What to do during a schizophrenia crisis

If someone you love has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it could be crucial to know what to do during a crisis situation. This can include recognizing the warning signs of an episode and knowing when to reach out for emergency support. 

Recognizing warning signs

In the days and hours preceding a crisis, someone with schizophrenia may experience any or all of the following symptoms: 

• Social withdrawal 
• Paranoid thoughts
• Fuzzy thinking
• Increasing agitation
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood swings
• Minimized emotional expression
• Catatonia
• Feeling disconnected from self or others

When to seek emergency help

Signs that you need to call 911 for help with a schizophrenic episode include: 

• Threats of self-harm or violence
• Physical aggression
• Complete break from reality
• Inability to function
• Extreme agitation

Living with schizophrenia

While there are treatments available to control symptoms, schizophrenia is considered a chronic condition. Individuals with this mental illness may need to learn coping strategies to deal with symptoms as they arise. 

Daily functioning

Even with medication, people with schizophrenia may need to make lifestyle adjustments and employ coping strategies to maintain daily functioning, including personal hygiene, household maintenance, and relationships. Strategies for daily functioning might include: 

• Developing and maintaining a structured routine
• Setting small, achievable goals each day
• Using productivity tools like checklists and timers

Managing side effects and quality of life

To maintain a healthy quality of life, people with schizophrenia may need to take steps to manage the side effects of medications and minimize the overall impact of the mental illness on their lives. Some suggestions may include: 

• Establishing a support system
• Adhering to medication and discussing any new or worsening side effects with a health care professional
• Engaging in hobbies or leisure activities that bring pleasure

Misconceptions about people with schizophrenia

There is a stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness, including mental disorders like schizophrenia. This stigma can make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to get the help that they need. They might be afraid of what others will think, so they may use self-management techniques to cope instead of seeking appropriate treatment. 

Negative stereotypes about schizophrenia

How online therapy can help with schizophrenia

If you are looking for help for yourself or a loved one with the management of schizophrenia, having a mental healthcare professional, such as a therapist for schizophrenia, on your health team can be beneficial. There are a variety of options available for online therapy, such as the service offered by BetterHelp. Online therapy can be a powerful tool for those who want to strengthen their own mental health and improve their lives. 

Online therapy for severe mental illness and mental health disorders

Online therapy with a qualified mental health care professional can be effective for those with mental illness as well as those supporting loved ones through mental health disorders. An analysis of veterans living with schizophrenia and experiencing suicidal ideation showed that an online-based intervention was successful in improving their symptoms. The majority of participants had fewer thoughts of suicide, successfully showing the efficacy of online therapy for treating serious mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately by visiting their website or texting/calling 988. Free support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.