lifestyle issues
Schizophrenia: The Disease
What It's Like to Suffer From Schizophrenia
John's Story: Part Four
In this case, the medication was haloperidol, a medication that has been used for many years to treat psychosis. This medication may not represent the best choice if John were to require ongoing medication to treat his symptoms, but it is reliably effective in rapidly reducing the symptoms of psychosis and helping to calm patients.
John was also given a low dose of diphenhydramine, a common antihistamine medication that is also available over the counter. This reduces the possibility that John might develop certain side effects from the haloperidol, especially dystonias.
Dystonias are muscle contractions that are not serious, but can be both painful and frightening. They are usually easily prevented with a side effect medication like diphenhydramine. It is essential to avoid any side effects in distressed patients, especially those who might already be suspicious and overly cautious about medications in general. John was agreeable to beginning this medication on a trial basis until he could discuss the need for continued medication with a psychiatrist.
While he was in the hospital, John responded very well to the doses that he received of these medications and of a newer medication, risperidone. He also tolerated the new medication very well. While John was not completely well, he was able to leave the hospital after only three days and return to his apartment.
Arrangements were made for case management to coordinate financial assistance and other services for John that were in place by the time he was discharged. John’s boss held his job for him and John eased back into employment some weeks later.
John’s paranoia, disorganized thoughts, and cognitive problems (attention, concentration and memory) improved dramatically with medication and he was eventually able to begin college courses on a part-time basis, which he completed with passing grades. He continued to struggle with the “negative” symptoms (apathy, reduced energy and emotional blunting) of his illness, but they also improved to some degree. He continued to pursue an interest in painting.
This story illustrates one potential scenario for a patient with Paranoid Schizophrenia who was able to enjoy a favorable response to early aggressive treatment. The presentation of schizophrenia is highly variable, as is the degree to which any given patient responds to treatment.
This story only depicts some of the symptoms that patients may experience as their illness begins and progresses. In this case, John was lucky to have interested and involved family members and friends, and a boss who understood that patients with this illness can recover and return to some of the activities that they pursued before they became ill.
It also describes how devastating this illness can be for concerned family and friends, particularly when patients find it difficult to trust those people. It describes some of the services that are available in many, if not most, communities. These services are intended to provide essential assistance to those interested parties as they struggle to identify the cause for a loved-one’s problems and secure necessary treatment.
The presentation, course, and severity of schizophrenia are as diverse as the people who are afflicted with this illness. Each patient stands the best chance for improvement and recovery when they receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment early.
(Sources: The author's knowledge base, unless otherwise noted.)
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