About this topic
Schizophrenia is a problem that happens in your brain. It causes you to see or hear things that are not really there. You may believe things that are not true. When you have schizophrenia, you do not think clearly. You may withdraw from events you used to enjoy and have problems with your daily tasks. You may not feel comfortable when you are with other people. At times, you may have many signs. Other times, you may have very few signs. ‚
Doctors treat this illness at the beginning with drugs. You may need to stay in the hospital if you are having very bad signs or if the drugs have not begun to work. This is to keep you safe. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not miss doses. Do not stop taking your drugs even if you are feeling better and signs go away.
- Tell family and friends about your illness and how they can help. You may need extra help and support.
- Talk with your doctor about how to make where you live a safe place. You may need to think about things like knives, sharp tools, window and door locks.
- Remember to get up every day, shower, get dressed, eat, and try to get some fresh air outside. Try to balance completing tasks that are needed with tasks that can wait.
- Limit your time with events that overtire you. Try to sleep 6 to 8 hours a day. Allow time to rest when you get tired after work or school.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may suggest therapy for you and your family. You can learn skills to help you manage your illness.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to drive. If you cannot drive, ask a friend or family member to help you get from place to place.
- Try to eat and drink three times a day, even when you feel your energy is low. Pick a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains to eat.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) or using illegal drugs. These can prevent your drugs from working well.
- If you are a smoker, talk with your doctor about how to cut down or stop smoking.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Balance chemicals in your brain
- Treat your signs
Will physical activity be limited?
Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- You are at risk if you use alcohol or drugs not ordered by your doctor
- Your drugs are not working well
- Not able to care for yourself
- Low mood
- Suicide
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent this illness. Here are some things you can do that may help to prevent signs from coming back: ‚
- Take your drugs as ordered.
- Know your signs when you are feeling worse and how to get help right away.
- Make sure others know about your illness and how they can help.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Your body is restless or having movements you cannot control
- Change in mood or behavior
- See or hear things that are not there
- Feel hopeless
- Not able to take care of yourself
- Have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Join a support group. It may help you to share time with others with this illness.
- Talk to your doctor if you want to get pregnant.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you why it is important to keep taking my drugs, even if I feel better.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel I might hurt myself or someone else.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Schizophrenia ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/complete-index.shtml ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/schizophrenia/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚