Ask Dr. K: Schizophrenia requires meds, counseling

DEAR DOCTOR K: There is a history of schizophrenia in my family. I’d like to learn more about it. Can it be treated?

DEAR READER: Schizophrenia is a long-lasting psychotic disorder. People with the condition have a hard time recognizing reality, thinking logically and behaving naturally in social situations. Having a parent or sibling with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing it.

The symptoms of schizophrenia are often defined as “positive” (remarkable because of their presence) or “negative” (remarkable because of their absence). Positive symptoms include:

• Delusions: distorted thoughts or false beliefs. A delusional person may speak of people who aren’t real.

• Hallucinations: hearing, seeing, touching, smelling or tasting things that aren’t there. The most common hallucinations involve hearing voices, music, noises like those made by machinery, or other sounds.

• Disorganized speech.

• Unusual movements or disorganized behavior.

Negative symptoms include:

• An absence of much emotion – happy or sad. Just a flat, unexpressive appearance.

• Limited speech: great difficulty in carrying on a conversation.

• Trouble starting, continuing or completing any activity.

Many people with schizophrenia experience a steady decline of logical thinking, social skills and behavior. They can stop taking care of themselves. These problems can interfere with work and personal relationships.

Positive symptoms tend to go through cycles where they get better and worse. Negative symptoms and cognitive problems are more constant.

The impact of the illness can be reduced by early and active treatment.

Treatment requires a combination of medication, psychological counseling and social support.

The major medications used to treat schizophrenia are called antipsychotics.

Psychosocial treatment is also essential.