Even though schizophrenia presently has no cure, there are several efficacious long-term treatment options that can help with significantly reducing its symptoms. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly all patients who suffer from the disorder are prescribed antipsychotic drugs that manage episodes of psychosis by lowering escalated levels of neurotransmitters in the brain (“Schizophrenia Treatment”). Antipsychotics generally require over three weeks of consistent usage to elicit noticeable effects and can decrease the chances of psychotic relapses by 80%. Furthermore, Mare Dombeck, the author of “Schizophrenia Treatment Options”, put forth in his article that approximately 70% of schizophrenic individuals who take these medications regularly will make considerable improvement (Dombeck, PhD). However despite the fact that antipsychotics have proven to be immensely effective, they can potentially cause various detrimental neurological side effects such as joint pain, muscle tremors, seizures, and unsteadiness (Konkel). As a result, many patients are resistant to taking these oral medications and have to be administered their treatment through injections every month as a substitute instead (“Schizophrenia Treatment”). Patients may also may need to be hospitalized if they become excessively aggressive or repeatedly suffer from mental breakdowns (Konkel). Once exacerbated symptoms of psychosis have subsided, it is recommended that along with the continued usage of antipsychotic medications, patients also attend regular sessions of psychological counseling. Two of the most common options for this form of treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) (Turkington). CBT is aimed at teaching patients how to solve problems, set goals, and take charge of their lives. On the other hand, ACT is focused on helping patients efficiently cope with the hardships they are facing by adopting a more mindful approach towards living (Turkington). With the combined treatment of psychological counseling and antipsychotic medications, symptoms of schizophrenia can be greatly alleviated.
The root cause of schizophrenia has not yet been determined; however, scientists have recognized a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors that could possibly heighten an individual’s risk of developing the illness (“The Causes”). According to Julia Samton, M.D, the director of Manhattan Neuropsychiatric in New York, women who have suffered from clinical depression, the loss of a loved one, or any other stress-inducing events while pregnant, face an increased probability of giving birth to a baby with schizophrenia (Robinson). Similarly, infants born to mothers who experienced complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or viral infections during their pregnancies, also face a maximized chance of suffering from the disorder later on in life (Robinson). In addition, various studies conducted by developmental neurologists have revealed that there are evident abnormalities in the brain structures of schizophrenic individuals that could be causing the condition. For instance, ventricles–tiny, liquid-filled cavities positioned at the frontal cortex region of the brain, appear to be larger than average in anyone who has the illness (Smith). Research also suggests that the brains of people with schizophrenia generally lack gray matter, a vital constituent of the peripheral nervous system that manages sensory perception (Smith). Moreover, Dr. Hashmi confirmed to me that there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters: serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine in the brains of those with the disorder. She put forth that because neurotransmitters enable nerve cells to relay important sensory information to one another, even the slightest fluctuation of these chemical messengers greatly impacts the way a person responds to stimuli, and can subsequently lead to severe complications in the processing of sights, sounds, smells, or tastes (Hashimi). Along with prenatal complications and deficiencies in the brain, another prime factor that plays a crucial role in causing schizophrenia is heredity. It has long been established by scientists and medical professionals that schizophrenia runs in the family (Chow). Studies indicate that children with a parent who has the illness face a 13% chance of developing it themselves (Chow). Additionally, if one child in a pair of monozygotic twins is diagnosed with schizophrenia the other has a 50% chance of having it as well (Chow). Researchers believe that recessive genes are directly linked to the increased likelihood of schizophrenia; however, there is no single gene that causes the disorder on its own (“The Causes”).
Although the devastating effects of schizophrenia can be exceedingly painful and disheartening for the afflicted individuals as well as their loved ones, there are numerous effective treatment options available that make living with the illness significantly less challenging. With the implementation of adequate medical care, those suffering from the disorder can still lead long, happy, productive, and enriching existences. Thus, if the proper steps towards rehabilitation are followed, hope for a bright future is not lost. Moreover, with all the new advances in medical technology as of late, the discovery of a cure for schizophrenia could be just around the corner.