Treatment of Schizophrenia

Treatment of Schizophrenia
Jean-Michel Trousse
Psychology 220
November 08, 2001















Abstract

To reduce the risk of relapse, many physicians recommend that antipsychotic drugs be given daily for at least one year. About 75% of patients will relapse within two years after withdrawing from medication. If two or more episodes occur, some experts recommend maintenance treatment for at least five years -- possibly indefinitely. Up to 75% of patients, however, stop using the drugs within two years. Compliance with an ongoing maintenance regimen is a problem for a number of reasons: side effects can be debilitating; the life of a patient with schizophrenia is usually unstable; and many people are reluctant to accept the concept of life-long treatment.











Since schizophrenia may not be a single condition and its causes are not yet known, current treatment methods are based on both clinical research and experience. These approaches are chosen ...