Mental health concerns can be incredibly complicated in how they affect people and those around them, as well as in the ways they are often treated. Schizophrenia, for example, makes it difficult for the sufferer to properly interpret the world around them. This is what causes them to be unsure what they are experiencing is real or if it is being imagined. There are millions in the US with schizophrenia, and there are fortunately some treatment options available.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a way for a person suffering from schizophrenia to modify the behaviors and thoughts that could be leading to the negative emotions that come with schizophrenia. The cognitive part of this therapy is how the person changes their thinking, and the behavioral part of the therapy is what they do to change their reactions to the situation. A therapist works with the person suffering with schizophrenia, usually for an hour over twelve to sixteen weeks, to come up with methods that work for the patient, as well as for the current situation – methods that will help them not only cope, but function, and interact in a more healthy way with their environment and their family and friends.
Individual Therapy
A less guided approach to therapy for those with schizophrenia is individual therapy, or talk therapy. This is a way of discussing the way the person is experiencing the world and analyzing it as they go, with the therapist coming up with suggestions for how to approach dealing with the symptoms of schizophrenia, often in conjunction with other therapy areas, like medication or other therapies. Of course, individual therapy may end up recommending these other possibilities, but it is a way to ease into treatment. Individual therapy is helpful for those who can handle such recommendations and new ways of thinking and who do not want to experience therapy with a group.
Group Therapy
Intended as a support system for those suffering from schizophrenia, as well as their families, group therapy can help the person suffering understand the reality of those around them. This approach is intended to help from the outside, working inward, where seeing the impact of schizophrenia on the group, while also feeling their support, helps ease into understanding the symptoms of schizophrenia, and what can be worked on and how.
Pharmacological Therapy
Medications are normally prescribed as a method of ameliorating some of the stronger effects of schizophrenia, allowing other therapies to take hold easier. Of course, brain and body chemistry means that every person with schizophrenia will likely need a customized solution, and will possibly need to make some lifestyle changes in order to counter for potential side effects. This can be anything from the consumption of alcohol or caffeine, or smoking to harder drug use.
If you are suffering from schizophrenia and looking for treatment options, contact Maryland Primary Care today so that we can help you come up with a treatment plan tailored to you.