What does a therapist do for treating schizophrenia?
A therapist can help a patient with schizophrenia learn more about their illness and symptoms, learn to tell the difference between what is real and what is not, deal with their thoughts and behaviours, explore what triggers their psychotic symptoms and ways to reduce them, as well as manage their symptoms in everyday life.
Who can be a therapist for schizophrenia?
A professional who has done at least Masters in Counselling Psychology, in Clinical Psychology, or in Psychology could be a mental health therapist for schizophrenia patients.
How does a therapist help the family members of the schizophrenia patient?
Family therapy can help family members learn more about the illness and its impact on their loved one, reduce stress, provide a space for emotional processing and regulation and help with structured problem solving. It can reduce caregiver’s burden by reducing the high levels of anxiety and stress that can come about with respect to the schizophrenia patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, and lifelong treatment needs, and also help family members learn not to neglect their own self-care needs. Thus, it can overall enhance the quality of life of the patient as well as other family members.
Is therapy the most effective option for schizophrenia treatment?
The most effective treatment for schizophrenia consists of a combination of medications psychotherapy that can help manage the symptoms and enhance the quality of everyday life.
