Treatment of Schizophrenia

II. TREATMENT MODALITIES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA Management of schizophrenia depends largely on medications and on psychosocial interventions. No single approach is widely considered effective for all patients, though in the United States and most Western countries, psychiatric medication is often the primary method of treatment. Currently, there is a movement towards utilizing a recovery model that emphasizes hope, empowerment and social inclusion, though this is not yet a mainstream mental health concept. (Bellack AS (July 2006). "Scientific and Consumer Models of Recovery in Schizophrenia: Concordance, Contrasts, and Implications" p.432) A. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT: The medical management of schizophrenia often requires a combination of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety medication. Antipsychotic medications help to normalize the biochemical imbalances that cause schizophrenia. They are also important in reducing the likelihood of relapse. (Psych Central, National Mental Health Association,
National Institute for Mental Health, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Internet Mental Health)
Psychopharmacology

a. Typical Antipsychotics

The typical antipsychotics work by blocking postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, limbic system, brainstem, and medulla. They also demonstrate varying affinity for cholinergic, alpha1-adrenergic, and histaminic receptors. Antipsychotic effects may also be related to inhibition of dopamine-mediated transmission of neural impulses at the synapses.

Examples of typical antipsychotics include: * chlorpromazine(Thorazine) * fluphenazine (Prolixin) * perphenazine (Trilafon) * prochlorperazine (Compazine) * thioridazine (Stelazine) * thiothixene (Navane) * haloperidol (Haldol) * loxapine (Loxitane) * molindone (Moban)

b. Atypical Antipsychotics

The atypical antipsychotics are weaker dopamine receptor antagonists

References: * Schultz J M & Videbeck S L. Lippincott,s Manual of psychiatric nursing care plans. (7 th edn). Philadelphia: Lippincott. Williams and Wilkins. * Mohr W K. Psychiatric mental health nursing ( edn 6).Lippincotts, Williams and Wilkins. Philadelphia: * Fortinash K M 7 Worret H. Psychiatric nursing care plan. ( 5 th edn). Mosby publications; 2003. * Bellack AS (July 2006). "Scientific and Consumer Models of Recovery in Schizophrenia: Concordance, Contrasts, and Implications" p.432 * Kaplan and Sadock 's Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry (2007) * Ho, B. C., Black, D. W., & Andreasen, N. C. “Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling” (2003)