Schizophrenia Treatment Plan

Schizophrenia is a major mental illness affecting many people in the world. According to DSM-5, schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder confirmed by continuous episodes of psychosis (Keepers et al., 2020). The onset age of this mental disorder is often the mid or late. Among the most critical symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The symptoms of schizophrenia presented by Mr. T include hallucinations, hypervigilance, lack of interest, delusions, paranoia, and hypersensitivity towards certain situations. A combination of medications, therapy and health promotion would be an effective treatment plan for schizophrenia.

Treatment Plan

Medications

The first consideration in the treatment plan is medications for schizophrenia which includes antipsychotics. When acute schizophrenia episode symptoms arise, antipsychotics are typically advised as the first line of treatment. They function by inhibiting dopamine’s ability to affect the brain. Because they carry a lower risk of major adverse effects than first-generation antipsychotics, these more recent, second-generation drugs are typically recommended (McCutcheon, Marques & Howes, 2020). Among the second-generation antipsychotics are: Aripiprazole (Abilify), Asenapine (Saphris) and Cariprazine with brexpiprazole (Rexulti) (Vraylar). Antipsychotics can often reduce unease or belligerence in a initial hours of starting therapy, but other side effects such illusions or delusional thoughts can last for days or weeks to subside.

Therapy

CBT is the best therapeutic intervention that can be combined with medications. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist patients recognize the thinking patterns that lead to their negative emotions and actions and show them how to change to become more realistic (McCutcheon, Marques & Howes, 2020). For instance, they can learn to identify instances of delusional thinking. After that, they can get support and guidance on how to stop acting on these beliefs. Most patients need numerous CBT sessions spaced out over a few months. An hour or so is usually allotted for CBT sessions. A referral to a CBT therapist should be possible to set patients up through GP or care coordinator.

Another effective treatment to be included in the treatment plan is family therapy. For many persons with schizophrenia, families are a significant source of care and sustenance. Even though many members of the family may be willing to provide help, taking care of a schizophrenic person may be difficult. By taking part in family therapy, patients can help their family manage their disease better. There will be several unofficial gatherings spread out over about six months. Meetings could include: information on schizophrenia is discussed., looking at methods of aiding a person with schizophrenia, and figuring out a solution to a situational issue that schizophrenia symptoms may cause.

Health Promotion

Schizophrenia patients can benefit from several interventions that promote health. They need to practice mental calmness first. They can accomplish this by practicing yoga, and regular meditation practice. If the body is not well taken care of, it will be impossible to calm the mind (Keepers et al., 2020). This refers to establishing consistent healthy habits like getting adequate sleep, eating largely wholesome foods, eating and sleeping at around the same time each day, exercising regularly, and receiving enough fresh air. They must also continue to follow a balanced diet and develop better organizational skills in their house or room.

References

Keepers, G. A., Fochtmann, L. J., Anzia, J. M., Benjamin, S., Lyness, J. M., Mojtabai, R., … & (Systematic Review). (2020). The American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(9), 868-872. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.177901

McCutcheon, R. A., Marques, T. R., & Howes, O. D. (2020). Schizophrenia—an overview. JAMA psychiatry, 77(2), 201-210. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3360