Psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia
While medication is almost always a necessary component of schizophrenia treatment, it doesn’t offer a complete solution. People with schizophrenia also need psychosocial treatments to help them cope with their illness, obtain services, and become more independent. People who receive psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia are more likely to take their medication regularly and avoid relapse and hospitalization.Supportive therapy
The goal of supportive therapy for schizophrenia is to help people adjust to their illness and navigate the challenges of daily living. Individual and group therapy provide much-needed emotional support for people with schizophrenia, while simultaneously teaching them how to solve problems in their daily lives, improve their relationships, and participate in their own recovery.- Illness management — A primary focus of supportive therapy is patient education. Patients learn about common schizophrenia symptoms and problems, treatment options, and the importance of medication. This knowledge helps them take an active role in treatment and better manage their illness. People with schizophrenia can learn to monitor their progress, watch for signs of relapse, take their medication regularly, and deal with side effects.
- Coping with symptoms — Supportive therapy can also teach people how to cope with symptoms of schizophrenia that persist despite medication and treatment. Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, patients learn to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore the voices in their heads, or motivate themselves.
Rehabilitation
Vocational and social rehabilitation teaches basic life skills to people with schizophrenia so they can function in their families or communities. There are many different types of rehabilitation programs, but the shared focus is on helping patients take care of themselves and make the most of their capabilities. Depending on the individual’s personal goals and degree of illness, rehabilitation may include training in handling finances, using public transportation, communicating with others, and finding living arrangements. For those who want to work, vocational rehabilitation includes work assessment, job skills training, and assistance finding full or part-time employment.Family education and support
Family support makes a difference in the outlook for people with schizophrenia. When family members are involved in treatment, patients are more likely to avoid relapse and achieve a higher level of functioning. If you have a family member with schizophrenia, educating yourself about the illness will give you a clearer understanding of your loved one and the challenges of treatment and recovery.Source : http://helpguide.org