Treatments for Schizophrenia

A number of new, effective medications for schizophrenia with fewer side effects than older medications have been introduced in the past decade. The newer drugs are very effective in the treatment of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, and may also be helpful for treating reduced motivation or blunted emotional expression. Because of the nature of the disorder, some people with schizophrenia may deny that they need medications and may either refuse to take them or stop taking them because of undesired side effects. Remembering to take medications may be difficult because of the disorganized thinking characteristic of people with schizophrenia. A major goal of research at NIMH is the discovery of new, effective and safe treatments that can be given in longer-acting doses.

Since schizophrenia may not be a single condition and its causes are not yet known, current treatment methods are based on both clinical research and experience. These approaches are chosen on the basis of their ability to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and to lessen the chances that symptoms will return.

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