According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia affects approximately 1.1 percent of the U.S. population. Characterized by delusions, hallucinations and thought and movement disorder, schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition with an onset during early adulthood and persistence throughout a person's lifetime. Although it is chronic and has no known cure, mental health professionals can help patients reduce and manage their symptoms for a higher quality of life within the community.
Psychiatry vs. Psychology
Treatment for schizophrenia relies heavily on anti-psychotic medications. According to HelpGuide.org, these medications can reduce paranoia, hallucinations and disordered thinking, but they are less effective with "flat affect," social withdrawal and the lack of motivation that can accompany schizophrenia. A psychiatrist's role in treatment is that of symptom management, prescribing medication and monitoring its effectiveness; a psychologist focuses on therapy and symptom management but cannot prescribe medication. These psychological services are also provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).
Medication Compliance
Both psychiatrists and psychologists work with patients on medication compliance, because this is an important component to long-term stabilization that has many barriers. Delusions can lead a person to believe that he has no need for medication or treatment, and some people stop taking medications once symptoms improve, which can cause relapse into psychotic episodes. Moreover, antipsychotic medications, such as Thorazine, can cause serious side effects that encourage noncompliance. Psychologists can help a person connect her life goals, such as steady employment, with taking medications as prescribed.
Individual Therapy
According to HelpGuide.org, psychologists can use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help people confront their delusional beliefs and ignore the voices caused by auditory hallucinations. By educating patients about their illness, they prepare and encourage people to take an active role in their treatment. But because symptoms of schizophrenia are often severe, psychologists work with patients to improve their coping skills, too.
Rehabilitation
Psychosocial rehabilitation, which is provided by psychologists and community-based rehabilitation workers, focuses on basic life and vocational skills. People with schizophrenia may have difficulties with hygiene, finances, communication, transportation, employment and maintaining a home in the community. Psychologists may write individual treatment plans to address each of these barriers through a series of short- and long-term goals. The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to decrease or eliminate hospitalizations while helping the person lead a fulfilling life in the community.
Group and Family Therapy
In addition to individual therapy, psychologists facilitate communication in patient group therapy and in family therapy. Group therapy provides a setting for mental health patients to share their experiences and work on treatment goals, though the Western Journal of Medicine reports higher clinical success with schizophrenia when all involved group members have this diagnosis. In family therapy, psychologists work with the family as a unit to work through complications and to help family members become actively involved in the outpatient care and rehabilitation of their loved one with schizophrenia.
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