Living with Schizophrenia.

If you have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, then you are among nearly 3 million Americans who are also living with this condition. Schizophrenia is an often misunderstood disease, but there are treatments. Over the years, treatment strategies have improved, and, with appropriate medication and support, many people with Schizophrenia can lead productive lives.





Challenges of therapy

In addition to the challenge of managing symptoms, however, Schizophrenia may offer other challenges. Patients sometimes have difficulty sticking to a treatment plan because their medication isn't working for them or they are experiencing side effects.

In some cases, people with Schizophrenia may not practice healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and exercise. They may smoke or abuse alcohol or illicit drugs. These behaviors can negatively impact a person’s attempt to establish and stick to a treatment plan. It is important, then, to find ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to consider it a part of treatment.

Manage your Schizophrenia one day at a time. Try not to let setbacks get in the way of staying on therapy. Stay on track with your treatment by talking with your healthcare professional regularly, taking your medication as directed, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. These things can help reduce your risk of relapse.

Many healthcare professionals agree that a combination of medication and therapy, along with helpful tools, can help someone with Schizophrenia stick to a plan and maintain treatment goals. A person with Schizophrenia should take medication as prescribed and discuss any problems or side effects resulting from medication with his or her doctor. Stopping medication without talking to the doctor can increase a person’s risk for relapse.

The risk of relapse

Sticking to a treatment plan should be a top priority since it can help reduce the risk of relapse. The more relapses a person has, the harder it becomes to recover. Treatment can delay or prevent a relapse, so it’s important for the patient, as well as family and friends, to learn more about symptoms and how to identify signs of a relapse.

While a relapse may occur for any of several reasons, it often happens because the person stops taking his or her medication as prescribed. If you or your loved one begins to show signs of a relapse, contact a doctor immediately.

Early warning signs of a relapse

Staying on therapy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are keys to managing your symptoms over the long term. Even if you accidentally miss a day of your medication or feel your symptoms are under control, keep taking your medication as directed and stay on your treatment plan. This will help you reduce your risk of relapse.

People who experience the onset of relapse may begin to:

  • Feel suspicious or paranoid
  • Withdraw from people and social settings
  • Seem irritable
  • Express bizarre ideas or have altered perceptions
  • Have trouble interacting or expressing themselves verbally

A healthy lifestyle that includes weight management and the avoidance of alcohol can help you get the most from your treatment plan.