Diagnostic tests
In the diagnosis of schizophrenia, other mental health disorders are ruled out, and it is determined whether or not symptoms are due to substance abuse or medication. This process may be done through use of:
Mayo Clinic Staff (11 Oct. 2016). Schizophrenia Diagnosis. Retrieved April 13, 2017 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/home/ovc-20253194
- Physical exam-
- Helps rule out other possible problems that may be causing symptoms
- Tests and screenings-
- Help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms
- Imaging studies-
- Include an MRI or CT scan
- Help find any complications in the brain pointing toward schizophrenia
- Psychiatric evaluation-
- Mental status is checked through observing appearance and asking about-
- Thoughts
- Moods
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Substance use
- Potential for violence or suicide
- Mental status is checked through observing appearance and asking about-
- Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia-
- Criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association) is used
Mayo Clinic Staff (11 Oct. 2016). Schizophrenia Diagnosis. Retrieved April 13, 2017 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/home/ovc-20253194
Treatment
Schizophrenia's treatment is usually lifelong and is guided by an experienced psychiatrist.
Mayo Clinic Staff (11 Oct. 2016). Schizophrenia Treatment. Retrieved April 14, 2017 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20253211
- Antipsychotic medication:
- Aims to effectively manage signs and symptoms at lowest possible dose
- Thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine
- Consists of first- and second-generation anytipsychotics:
- First-generation: have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects that may or may not be reversible, often cheaper (ex. chlorpromazine, fluphenazine)
- Second-generation: generally preferred, offers lower risk of serious side effects (ex. olanzapine, paliperidone)
- Psychosocial interventions:
- Individual therapy- may help to:
- Normalize thought patterns
- Cope with stress
- Identify early warning signs of relapse
- Social skills training-
- Focuses on improving communication and improving ability to participate in social interactions and daily activities
- Family therapy-
- Provides support/education to families
- Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment-
- Focuses on helping patients prepare for, find, and keep occupations
- Individual therapy- may help to:
- Hospitalization:
- Ensures safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and basic hygiene during crisis periods or times of severe symptoms
- Electroconvulsive therapy:
- May be helpful for adults who do not respond to drug therapy
Mayo Clinic Staff (11 Oct. 2016). Schizophrenia Treatment. Retrieved April 14, 2017 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20253211