Feature Article

Effective Coping Mechanisms:

Although there is no cure for Schizophrenia, it is treatable. With medication and therapy and support many people with schizophrenia can live a productive life.

Medication is an essential coping mechanism for schizophrenia. However, each individual responds differently to the same medication and at different points in their illness. No medication works for all patients and at all times so occasional changes in dosage and medication may be necessary. Remembering that treatment is an ongoing process that doesn’t end once a psychotic episode has abated. Staying on medication even after a psychotic episode will actually help to prevent another episode.

Family Relationships: Family often become the nucleus for support. One of the most important things a loved one must recognize about their role is that they can’t do it alone. When in the midst of recovering from a psychotic episode their loved one needs the support, supervision and monitoring by an appropriate healthcare professional, experienced in treating schizophrenia. The disease needs to be treated in a three-way relationship between the person with the condition, the caregiver and the medical professional – all working with the same goal to reduce the symptoms and get back into a regular routine.

Treatment: It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The longer the duration of symptoms prior to treatment the greater time to remission and the greater the possibility for relapse. Adherence to treatment, both psychiatric care and medication regimens, is also key to long-term recovery.

Supportive Therapy: Positive relationships with psychiatrist, therapist and treatment teams are essential. Ongoing psychotherapy contribute to quicker recovery.

Cognitive Abilities: Neurocognitive factors (i.e., memory, ability to stay focused, and perceptual skills) assist with flexibility in solving problems, communicating and assist with recovery.

Social Skills: Developing social and interpersonal skills will assist a person in recovery. There isn’t one social skill; there are many. They involve actual skills, knowledge and beliefs about ones self and the world. Socially skilled people tend to be confident people, they tend to be outgoing and positive about life. Social skills training involves working with a professional to build the skills needed that will allow a person to develop a good grasp of social protocol.

Access to Care: Continuous, comprehensive and patient oriented treatment is crucial to recovery. It is not uncommon for people initially diagnosed with schizophrenia to stop their medications or disengage because of a lack of understanding of the illness. Creating a highly supportive, patient, and accessible team is integral in long term success.