Schizophrenia Treatment Team and Therapy

- Your Role in Treatment
- The Treatment Team

Treatment for Schizophrenia usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Patients with Schizophrenia may work with a treatment team that includes therapists and other healthcare professionals who can help them understand their condition and stick to a treatment plan.

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In addition to taking medication as prescribed, maintaining a system of support that includes therapy can help a person with Schizophrenia. The treatment team usually consists of several people: a psychiatrist, a social worker or therapist, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, a pharmacist, and a case manager.

The psychiatrist

Once symptoms are being managed, the treatment process may include psychosocial counseling to help the patient face the challenges that arise from everyday stress.

A therapist — usually a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric social worker, or counselor — can help the patient learn how to cope with these challenges. As the patient moves forward with treatment and in life, he or she might begin to think about work or school. Occupational or vocational therapists or employment counselors can help the patient find the skills he or she needs to succeed in these important aspects of life.

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants

Once a treatment program has been established, many psychiatrists will also rely on nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) to help manage day-to-day treatment. These healthcare professionals are also available to answer questions about symptoms and treatment. In many states, they also have the ability to prescribe medicines.

Social worker

As the patient moves forward with treatment, he or she may have frequent contact with social workers. These healthcare professionals may support the patient in a number of different ways.

Many social workers are trained as therapists and offer much-needed emotional counseling and social skills training. Others serve as “case managers,” arranging for the various social services the patient might need. Because of their versatility, social workers are found in a range of settings, from hospitals to community mental health centers to social service agencies.

Case manager

Many states and social service organizations offer programs to help people with Schizophrenia. A case manager can help a patient find these services. The case manager might be a social worker or another member of the staff of the doctor’s office or mental health center. Case managers can help a patient apply for benefits, arrange for training programs, or find services that assist with daily living.

Pharmacist

The pharmacist is an important member of the treatment team. In addition to supplying medicines prescribed by other members of the treatment team, the pharmacist can explain in detail how to take medicines, describe possible side effects, and provide advice on how to manage them to the team. The pharmacist can identify potential interactions among prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, and/or supplements. This is one of the most important roles of the pharmacist, to make certain that medicines prescribed by different members of the treatment team won't cause adverse reactions when taken together.

Read techniques for Getting the Most from Treatment.

A Caregiver's Role
in Treatment

Information and tools to help you help a loved one with Schizophrenia.

Learn more here

Read Andrea's Story

What's it like living with Schizophrenia and taking ABILIFY?

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION and INDICATIONS for ABILIFY^® (aripiprazole)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia (for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss), treated with antipsychotic medicines including ABILIFY, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis (see Boxed WARNING).

Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's healthcare provider right away, especially if they are severe or occur suddenly. ABILIFY is not approved for use in pediatric patients with depression (see Boxed WARNING).

Contraindication: Patients should not use ABILIFY if they are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY. Allergic reactions have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.

Serious side effects may include:

An increased risk of stroke and ministroke have been reported in clinical studies of elderly people with dementia-related psychosis
High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, changes in pulse, heart rate and blood pressure may be signs of a condition called
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare and serious condition that can lead to death
Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can happen in some people who take ABILIFY. Extremely high blood sugar can lead to coma or death. If you have diabetes, or risk factors (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or have the following symptoms: increases in thirst, urination, or hunger, feel weak or tired, sick to your stomach, or confused (or breath smells fruity), your blood sugar should be monitored
Changes in cholesterol and triglyceride (fat, also called lipids) levels in the blood have been seen in patients taking medicines like ABILIFY
Weight gain has been reported in patients taking medicines like ABILIFY so your weight should be checked regularly. Weight gain in children (ages 6 to 17) should be compared against that expected with normal growth
ABILIFY and medicines like it have been associated with difficulty swallowing which may lead to aspiration or choking
Uncontrollable movements of face, tongue, or other parts of body, as these may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD may not go away, even if you stop taking ABILIFY. TD may also start after you stop taking ABILIFY
Orthostatic hypotension (decreased blood pressure) or lightheadedness or fainting when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position has been reported with ABILIFY
Decreases in white blood cells (WBC; infection fighting cells) have been reported in some patients taking ABILIFY. Patients with a history of a significant decrease in WBC count or who have experienced a low WBC count due to drug therapy should have their blood tested and monitored during the first few months of therapy
Seizures (convulsions) have been reported with ABILIFY. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of or are at risk for seizures
ABILIFY and medicines like it can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you
Medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body's ability to reduce body temperature; you should avoid overheating and dehydration
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Also tell your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you have and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take since there are some risks for drug interactions

While taking ABILIFY, avoid:

Drinking alcohol
Breast-feeding an infant

Most common side effects (≥10%) from all clinical trials involving adults or pediatric patients include:

ADULTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS (6 to 17 years): Sleepiness, headache, vomiting, extrapyramidal disorder (for example, uncontrolled movement disorders or muscle disturbances such as restlessness, tremors and muscle stiffness), fatigue, increased appetite, insomnia, nausea, stuffy nose, and weight gain

It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience prolonged, abnormal muscle spasms or contractions, which may be signs of a condition called dystonia.

For patients who must limit their sugar intake, ABILIFY Oral Solution contains sugar.

For patients with phenylketonuria or PKU, ABILIFY DISCMELT^® (aripiprazole) contains phenylalanine.

If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.

INDICATIONS: ABILIFY is indicated for:

Use as an add-on treatment to an antidepressant for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who have had an inadequate response to antidepressant therapy
Treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults and in pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age
Treatment of Schizophrenia in adults and in adolescents 13 to 17 years of age
Treatment of irritability associated with Autistic Disorder in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age

Special Considerations for Pediatric Uses:

Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your child's healthcare provider. Treatment should be started only after a thorough diagnostic evaluation and as part of a total treatment program

Please see U.S. FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for ABILIFY.