Schizophrenia Treatment
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that disrupts clear thinking, hampers emotional processing and impairs the normal functioning of a patient. The disorder blurs the line between reality and fantasy but can be managed over time with proper medication.
About 0.32%
of the world’s population lives with Schizophrenia.
1 in 222
people will develop Schizophrenia in their lifetime.
80%
Patients show significant improvement with early, continuous treatment and rehabilitation.
50–60%
Treatment gap in India — many patients still don’t receive proper psychiatric care.
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that develops gradually. Early symptoms are often difficult to identify, making recovery challenging when treatment is delayed. Persistent symptoms, such as unclear thinking, poor performance at work, and difficulty separating reality from imagination, indicate the need for professional help.
Early diagnosis and commencing timely treatment with medication and therapy ensures sustainable recovery. While schizophrenia treatment is a lifelong ongoing procedure, strong social support can greatly improve the patient’s health.
Here is a complete blog on schizophrenia signs and symptoms, schizophrenia treatment and much more.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that disrupts clear thinking, hampers emotional processing and impairs the normal functioning of a patient. The disorder blurs the line between reality and fantasy but can be managed over time with proper medication. The most common type of Schizophrenia features delusions and hallucinations. However, speech, emotions and reasoning often remain relatively intact.
The most common type of Schizophrenia features delusions and hallucinations. However, speech, emotions and reasoning often remain relatively intact.
Types of Schizophrenia
Here are the 3 main types of Schizophrenia that patients often suffer from:
1. Basic Schizophrenia
This disorder is characterised mainly by worsening negative symptoms over time, with minimal or no positive psychotic features.
2. Hebephrenic Schizophrenia
This type includes having disorganised thoughts, behaviour and momentary hallucinations. They have a reduced emotional expression, typically appearing between the ages of 15 to 25.
3. Residual Schizophrenia
This stage occurs after passing through psychotic episodes. Patients suffer from persistent negative symptoms like reduced speech, poor emotional quotient and lack of expression.
What Does Schizophrenia Treatment Include?
This type includes having disorganised thoughts, behaviour and momentary hallucinations. They have a reduced emotional expression, typically appearing between the ages of 15 to 25.
Core Treatment Approaches
The treatment follows a balanced combination of evidence-based psychotherapy and medication followed by a thorough aftercare planning.
1.Medication
Antipsychotics are the primary treatment for schizophrenia. The drugs mainly work on dopamine and serotonin receptors. Doctors at Calida Rehab may adjust the types of drugs and doses over time but additional medicines like antidepressants and mood stabilisers also help.
Second-generation antipsychotics also cause fewer movement-related side effects. However, psychiatrists closely monitor the health of the patient to counter these side effects. Certain health professionals may prescribe injectable antipsychotics for patients who are uncomfortable with pills.
Teens may show depression, loneliness, aggression and poor concentration. Relevant medicines are prescribed. Patients may suffer from functional decline or substance abuse. These signs also overlap with typical adolescent changes which makes diagnosis challenging. Therefore, psychiatrists prescribe medication after consulting medical practitioners to avoid any side effects.
Medication decisions are made by a psychiatrist based on individual response.
2.Psychotherapy
Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy helps patients recognise unhealthy thinking patterns. The aim is to manage stress and spot early signs of relapse. Timely development of coping strategies through regular sessions supports long-term stability. The psychologists aim to understand the symptoms and trace the cause for better symptom management.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training strengthens the communication skills of patients. They gain better interpersonal interactions and build confidence for routine tasks. Psychologists help patients to improve their relationships and participate in community activities actively. The aim is to promote independence and allow proper functioning.
Family Therapy
Family therapy teaches relatives how to understand schizophrenia. The aim is to counsel them on how to respond supportively during challenges and reduce stress at home. They provide guidance and ask for cooperation for collective problem-solving. Mental health experts encourage and counsel the family to improve the overall family well-being.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation helps patients explore strengths and weaknesses independently. The aim is to develop job skills and prepare them for employment. Mental health experts at Calida Rehab train patients to deal with stressful situations to maintain their job performance.
3.Electroconclusive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy may be recommended for adults with schizophrenia who do not improve with medication. Performed under general anaesthesia, it delivers controlled electric currents to trigger a brief seizure. The therapy is also beneficial for those suffering from depression and other symptoms that accompany schizophrenia.
Supportive Intervention
- Experts at Calida Rehab Centre work closely with the family. The mental health experts ensure that the patients follow the treatment plan and get the most benefit from the therapy.
- The team of psychologists and psychiatrists ensure that the family is educated about the illness. Professionals at Calida Rehab respond with patience and understanding.
- Residential patients are counselled consistently to maintain healthy habits. Strict measures are taken to avoid the consumption of alcohol and drugs which can interfere with the treatment.
- Community support is a part of the treatment. Social services and support groups manage daily needs and help the patient connect with others who are facing similar challenges. The aim is to motivate them to overcome the problem
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
- Stress-management techniques are also encouraged. Yoga, meditation and other relaxation practices are propagated to maintain calmness and peace of mind.
- Regular follow ups with medical practitioners are also done. Patients are interviewed intermittently to check for symptoms.
- Early warning management is essential to treat symptoms simultaneously. The aim is to frame a long-term stability plan to reduce the number of visits or appointments.
Treatment Pathway
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Thorough psychiatric evaluation with a symptom review is done. |
| Stabilisation | Initiation of antipsychotic medication and corresponding therapy. |
| Active Phase | Regular therapy sessions and functional skill-building is done. |
| Review | Ongoing assessment with adjustments to medication or therapy based on clinical response. |
| Maintenance | Long-term symptom management with relapse-prevention strategies are introduced in the treatment. |
Treatment Duration
- Initial Improvement: 4-8 weeks for noticeable symptom reduction.
- Active Treatment Phase: Often spans about 3-6 months. This is the most serious stage as acute symptoms are managed.
- Maintenance Phase: Typically lasts 12 months or longer after remission of symptoms. However, patients are recommended to stay alert for at least 1-2 years.
- Rehabilitation: If required, programs like skill training and psychosocial rehab are suggested.
When Is Rehab Recommended?
- Recurring primary symptoms like having hallucinations, disorganized thoughts and disorganised speech. These symptoms can be exhibited in any age group.
- Patients who experience delayed walking and late speech development must also get themselves checked. This leads to difficulty in adapting to social interactions and gestures.
- People who are suffering from other developmental, medical conditions or co-existing addictions.
- Adults who are not able to maintain treatment independently must seek help. Patients experiencing restlessness, low self-esteem and unclear thoughts must consult psychiatrists.
Patients often follow a poor personal hygiene routine. They lack consistency in work and are always suspicious about events in life. Severe symptoms are slurred speech and a disjointed memory. In such cases, residential care is highly recommended.
Treatment Cost Guide
| Service | Expected Range |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist Consultation | Rs 500 – Rs 3000 |
| Medication | Rs 1,500 – Rs 15,000 per month |
| Therapy Session | Rs 1,000 – Rs 5,000 per session |
| Residential/Rehab Program | Rs 25,000 – Rs 2,50,000 per month |
The cost of the treatment varies based on the duration, mode of treatment and severity of the problem. The cost also depends on therapist expertise and the level of care needed by a patient.
Most Suitable Treatment Option Based On Case Type
| Case Type | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Mild or Early Symptoms | Therapy-first approach with close monitoring. |
| Moderate | Antipsychotic medication with therapy. |
| Severe/Chronic | Medication combined with structured psychiatric rehabilitation. |
| Dual Diagnosis | Integrated psychiatric care with substance-use support. |
Start Treatment
Begin your care journey with confidential consultation to determine the most appropriate support for schizophrenia. Our clinical team will provide support and proper professional guidance at all stages of the treatment. The aim is to help patients understand the next steps and select the treatment pathway best suited to your needs. You may proceed through Call, WhatsApp or even book appointments online. Personalised treatment plans are also offered for better assistance.
Please note that treatment plans vary by individual. Medication and therapy should only be provided under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
Call our 24-hour free confidential helpline.
Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey
What is the duration of schizophrenia treatment?
What are the most common schizophrenia symptoms?
How to help a patient suffering from schizophrenia?
Why is Calida Rehab one of the best centres for recovering from schizophrenia?
Is schizophrenia a disability?
Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 14+
Illnesses:
Depression & Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders, OCD, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Sleep Disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Issues
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)
Experience: 12+
Illnesses:
CT / MRI, Dementia & Memory Disorder, Neuro-radiological Evaluation, pine & Nerve Imaging,Head Injury & Neurological, Diagnostic Support for Mental Health
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 11+
Illnesses:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychosis, OCD, Drug Addiction,Mental Health Issues
