What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that comprises of syndrome of disorganized and bizarre throughts, delusions, hallucinations, inappropriate affect and impaired social functioning.
How does it happen?
It is remain unknown, however researchers have shown that it could be due to abnormalities in the structure of the brain likes organic brain disorders, as well as an imbalance of chemicals in the brain and illicit drug misuse.
What causes it to be happen?
It is a complex interaction between environmental factors and genetic factor.
What type of treatment for schizophrenia?
- There is a variety treatments, which are medicines, psychotherapy including counseling, family and social worker support, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
- Medicines is used to help balance the chemicals in the brain and control symptoms.
- These medications are called either conventional and atypical.
- Both conventional and a typical have similar efficacy but different in side effects profile. Choice of medications in individualized to each patient history, response to medications and tolerence to side effects.
- Examples for conventional are chlorpromazine, perphenazine, haloperidol, sulpiride, trifluoperazine, fluphenazine, flupenthixol and zuclopenthixol.
- Examples for atypical are clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone and aripiprazole
- To achieve best effect from the treatment
- Not taking medications may cause you to relapse
- If you have taken other medications as well, please let your doctors and pharmacist know.
- If you are pregnant or intend to be pregnant and planning to breast-feed, please tell doctors and pharmacists
- See your doctors and pharmacists as scheduled. keep all of your scheduled doctor appointments to make sure you are getting the full benefits of treatment.
- Take medicines as directed. it is to help to control symptoms and prevent symptoms from returning. It is important to take your medications as directed even thought you start feeling better.
- Know the medications that you are taking. if any questions regarding your treatment and medications, please ask your doctors and pharmacists.
- Do things you are always enjoyed. Hobbies, moderate exercise and other recreational interests are an important part of feeling better.
- Talk to friends and family. Feeling better is easier with the help of others. Stay in frequent contact with friends and family who are supportive.
(Sources: Unit Farmasi dan Bekalan, Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang)
Peti surat No. 11342,
88815 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Phone: 088-240984 (173/177)
Fax: 088-244703
Web: www.hmbp.moh.gov.my
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