Research from the National Institute of Mental Health states that schizophrenia cannot be cured.
Lots of people ask us, “Can schizophrenia be cured?” Because they want to know is schizophrenia curable?
The answer we give is this: Although this disorder can be treated with medication, it will not go away. There is no schizophrenia cure.
Our Can Schizophrenia Go Away guide will help you to better understand how to live with schizophrenia.
Learn more: If you or a loved one has this disorder, don’t hesitate to call us for help.
Does Schizophrenia Go Away?
Schizophrenia cannot go away on its own. As with most of the mental health illnesses that Arbor Wellness treats, schizophrenia does not currently have a cure. Fortunately with the proper treatment individuals with this disorder are able to effectively manage their symptoms. So schizophrenia recovery is possible.
The underlying causes of this disorder are currently unknown, which makes it difficult to predict treatment outcomes and requires that diagnosed individuals remain under the continuous care of a mental health professional. If schizophrenic individuals are treated properly, then they can live productive and stable lives.
Schizophrenia is an extremely complex illness that requires help from a licensed mental health professional. With proper treatment many individuals are able to successfully manage their symptoms and maintain productive lives.
Does Schizophrenia Worsen If Left Untreated?
Schizophrenia is a progressive disorder. This means that this disorder does not go away on its own and if it is left untreated the symptoms will normally worsen. Symptoms can both increase in frequency and intensity. Leaving this disorder untreated can also lead to the development of co-occurring disorders including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dual Diagnosis
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Research has also shown that leaving this disorder untreated can be detrimental to an individual’s physical health. For example, individuals can end up with permanent neurological damage.
Individuals suffering from this disorder may also develop thoughts of hurting themselves or others. Paranoia and delusions can contribute to impulsive and detrimental decision making. Without the proper therapeutic treatment, symptoms will escalate and begin to negatively impact an individual’s daily living.
Does Schizophrenia Worsen As You Age?
Schizophrenia symptoms may worsen as an individual ages, especially if they do not seek the proper treatment. Normally if the onset of this disorder occurs in the younger years, then the signs and symptoms will be more severe than later-onset schizophrenia. This means that if schizophrenia develops later in life then the symptoms are generally less severe.
It is important to note that this disorder has not been proven to necessarily worsen as an individual ages. Preliminary research has found that individuals who are diagnosed with this disorder do not experience psychological decline faster than undiagnosed individuals. With the proper treatment an individual’s cognitive function may even improve over time.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
The exact cause for schizophrenia still remains unknown. The current hypothesis is that this disorder is caused by genetic, neurological, and environmental conditions. Medication is an important part of the treatment process since chemical imbalances in the brain are likely a contributing factor of this disorder.
Environmental factors, such as trauma, also play a large role in the onset of this disorder. Both holistic and clinical forms of therapy are very important in addressing the trauma, in order to give the diagnosed individual the best possible chances of achieving long-term stability.
At Arbor Wellness we offer our clients a comprehensive and thorough treatment plan in order to address all of the underlying factors that may be contributing to their mental health diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for schizophrenia. It is very important to see a licensed mental health professional in order to get a psychological evaluation if you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of this disorder. Some of the most common signs of this disorder include:
- Delusions-false beliefs that individuals hold on to despite being presented with contradictory evidence
- Hallucinations-seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not present
- Depression-feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/or worthlessness
- Mania-feelings of euphoria, gradious, racing thoughts, and impulsivity
- Disorganized behaviors-an inability to communicate effectively and/or complete tasks
Treatment Options for Schizophrenia
Only about 1% of Americans suffer from this disorder, which means that each individual requires a specific and individualized treatment plan.
The disorder can be debilitating without the proper form of therapeutic treatment which is why it is vital to seek help as soon as possible. Treatment is normally a combination of both medications and therapy. Some common antipsychotic medications include:
- Thorazine
- Haldol
- Perphenazine
- Prolixin
- Abilify
- Seroquel
- Risperdal
- Zyprexa
It is important to note that while on these medications it is vital to be seen regularly by a licensed psychiatrist. While medications are extraordinarily important, therapeutic services are as equally necessary.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma therapy can all be very helpful in order to stabilize this disorder’s symptoms.
Treatment can be done in a residential, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient setting.
The level of care that an individual should receive is normally recommended after an initial evaluation has been performed. A normal life is possible for patients who are facing a schizophrenia diagnosis, but they must be treated properly.
Get Help For Schizophrenia In Nashville, TN
Getting help for schizophrenia can be a difficult process. It is important to seek treatment from well qualified professionals in order to get an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan for schizophrenia. This disorder will not go away on its own and ignoring the signs and symptoms will only cause it to worsen over time. Here at Arbor Wellness, we understand that it takes an individualized and well rounded treatment plan to properly treat our patients with schizophrenia. Our goal is to help our clients live stable, balanced, and well rounded lives. If you or a loved one is suffering from schizophrenia, reach out to the admissions team today.
