Schizophrenia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Schizophrenia (skiz-oh-FRE-nee-ah) is a serious mental condition that affects how your brain works. This illness may change how you think, feel and behave. You may not be able to know what is real and what is not real. Your thoughts may not be clear, or jump from one subject to another. These symptoms may go away for some time only to come back again later.

Caregivers do not exactly know what causes schizophrenia. Having another family member with schizophrenia, stress, and use of harmful substances, such as amphetamines, may put you at a higher risk of getting this disease. Certain signs and symptoms must be true for a person to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. These include seeing or hearing things that are not real, and relationship problems with other people. There is no cure for schizophrenia but symptoms may be treated with medicines and other therapies.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia may get worse if you are not treated. Your illness may make it hard to work or get along with others. It may also change the way you eat and sleep. Changes in sleep and eating may make you suffer other illnesses and diseases. Schizophrenia may also cause damage to your brain.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Psychiatric assessment:

Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.

Tests:

You may have any of these tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your skull and brain. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.
  
  
• EEG: This test is also called an electroencephalogram. Many small pads or metal discs are put on your head. Each has a wire that is hooked to a machine. This machine prints a paper tracing of brain wave activity from different parts of your brain. Caregivers look at the tracing to see how your brain is working.
  
  
• MRI: This scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your brain. It will also take pictures of the blood vessels and structures in your head. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell caregivers if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood. Remove all jewelry, and tell caregivers if you have any metal in or on your body. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell caregivers if you cannot lie still or are anxious or afraid of closed spaces.

Medicines:

• Antianxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Anti-depressants: These medicines help with symptoms of depression.
  
  
• Anti-parkinson's: These medicines help control muscle stiffness, twitches and restlessness caused by anti-psychotic medicines.
  
  
• Anti-psychotics: These medicines decrease positive (psychotic) symptoms or severe agitation.
  
  
• Mood stabilizer: These medicines help control mood swings (being very happy one moment then very angry the next).
  
  
• Tranquilizers: These medicines are calming and relaxing.

Other treatment options:

You may also need any of the following treatments:

• Electroconvulsive therapy: This is also called ECT. Caregivers use a small amount of electricity to the brain. This treatment is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia.
  
  
• Psychosocial therapy:
  
  
  • Assertive community treatment: This treatment is also called ACT. A team of caregivers and support groups in your own community help you with your therapy.
    
    
  • Cognitive behavior therapy: This therapy helps you to change your behavior. It will help you handle symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
    
    
  • Family psychoeducation: Your family will be part of your therapy.
    
    
  • Social skills training: This trains you how to get along with other people.
    
    
  • Supported employment: This is a form of therapy where you are placed into a job that fits you. It will help give you independence and self-confidence.
    
    
  • Teaching illness-management skills: This type of therapy teaches you what you can do to help manage your disease.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Schizophrenia (Inpatient Care)