Schizophrenia is a disabling disorder that certainly affects the functioning and quality of life. Characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior patterns, such people are highly plagued by the presence of stimuli that are not actually present.
Schizophrenia is a condition that requires lifelong treatment and management.
Since many people with schizophrenia cannot actually make out that they are dealing with a serious condition till it reaches a detrimental stage, it is very crucial to identify the signs early on to provide a management plan. With advancements in new tech and research, it is now easy to explore new perspectives of the problem and find more adaptable solutions to it.
It is of utmost importance to be aware of the best mental health doctor in Delhi and psychological rehabilitation centers in Delhi along with the role they play in a smooth recovery planning and management of schizophrenia.
Understanding Schizophrenia Treatment
The treatment of schizophrenia involves a mixture of psychopharmacological, psychological and counseling modalities to keep the symptoms in check and ease their effect on the client. The treatment regime continues even when the symptoms ease. Some may even require in-patient care if symptoms worsen.
A comprehensive care plan employs professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and social workers that keep a keen eye on the administration of treatment and ethical concerns associated with it.
Medications- Typically antipsychotics are prescribed to manage the symptoms. The prescription of doses is kept as low as possible to see its effects and avoid any side effects. Some common antipsychotics include-
First generation- Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, Perphenazine, Fluphenazine
Second generation- Olanzapine, Clozapine, Aripiprazole, Risperidone and many others.
Psychosocial interventions-
It is important to undergo psychological therapies as well in order to recover and manage one’s emotion in a socially appropriate manner, since this condition can render people socially dysfunctional.
- Individual Therapy- This is important to improve patterns of thought and help in dealing with irrational thought patterns. Learning to cope with stress and identifying patterns of onset of symptoms can be a great way of management.
- Social skills training- It is an important part of dealing with schizophrenic patients. Since they are preoccupied with the issues of their perception and dealing with identifying real vs. false stimuli, they need to be trained accordingly to share their distress with others and find an immediate solution for it to alleviate their concerns.
- Family therapy- Support from the family is necessary to manage the situations and stressors that one encounters during daily functioning.
Causes in development of Schizophrenia
There are no specific causes for development of schizophrenia. It is a mix of genetic mutations, brain chemistry and environmental triggers that leads to its onset.
Changes in neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate have been observed to play a part in onset of schizophrenia. CNS and brain structures show significant changes when observed through neuroimaging techniques.
Role of Technology in Schizophrenia Treatment
Today, schizophrenia treatment is aided by a variety of secondary treatments that are highly yielding and result oriented. As one of the best psychiatrist in south delhi, we have taken a step ahead and imbibed these technological advancements in our treatment plans. We aim to aid the problems experienced by schizophrenic patients tol the highest extent.
- Telemedicine- Sticking to the best regime introduced by Govt. of India, Telemedicine allows the client to reach out remotely with their issues. It is as easy as searching ‘schizophrenia psychiatrist near me’, and you will find us ready with a consultation about your condition, the best course of action and the visit plan, if necessary. Ensuring continuous and accessible care for all, we are inclined to be present for anyone who requires help.
- Virtual Reality Therapy (VR)- Implying a new perspective VR therapy is being applied for schizophrenia patients to induce a better cognitive and social functioning by inducing real life situations. As one of the best psychiatrist in south delhi, we have taken a step further and incorporated this therapy for the benefit of our clients.
New Advancements in the field
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation trials and studies to control negative symptoms of schizophrenia were also performed in India. A trial on 100 individuals, with 20 sessions spanned over 4 weeks showed significant improvement in the negative symptom domain. Anhedonia ( reduced ability to experience pleasure, alogia (lack of conversation), and avolition (lack of motivation to perform any task) were seen to improve. Differences were clearly present after intervention and subsequent follow ups. The trial has a high effect in improving the social conduct and personal conduct of the individual on multiple levels.
Deep TMS can prove as a highly yielding treatment plan in case of severe schizophrenia cases.
These new advancements are paving the way for management and potentially curing the disease.
How to find a schizophrenia psychiatrist near me?
If you know someone who shows even slight symptoms of schizophrenia, make sure that you talk to them to eliminate any possibilities or seek treatment at the earliest stage. It is necessary to motivate and encourage them to seek treatment and find a professional who is experienced in such cases.
People can become distressed, and pose danger to themselves and others in cases of high delusion and hallucinations. It is important to seek treatment at the earliest, consult healthcare professionals and enroll them into a facility that will guide them onto this delirious journey.
Our experts are always available to help you and listen to your concerns. Under the diligent guidance of Dr. Gorav Gupta best psychiatrist in Delhi, you will be able to find the right treatment and recovery opportunities for your near and dear ones.
