How to Prevent Schizophrenia Relapse
Schizophrenia is a type of mental illness that can be seriously debilitating for those who suffer from it. Symptoms can include hallucinations, catatonic behaviors, hyperactivity and disjointed speech and thoughts. Individuals may express other symptoms of schizophrenia, however. Medication can help, and many people can lead relatively normal lives. The pain of a relapse is something all schizophrenic patients wish to avoid whenever possible.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed. This means taking both the amount that is prescribed and taking it each time you are supposed to. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one of the most common causes of relapse in patients with schizophrenia is that they begin to feel much better while on their medication and decide they no longer need the medication. Side effects from many of these medications are not fun, and patients feel that they can do better now without the medications. Once the medication ceases, however, the symptoms return in full force.
- Attend therapy sessions regularly. Your therapy program may include individual therapy only or it may include group therapy sessions. Regardless, your therapist and companions in group therapy may recognize warning signs in your behavior before you do and can alert you before you suffer a full-blown schizophrenic relapse.
- Ask your family and friends to alert you to any signs of a relapse if they witness them. It is important to take the information your friends and family give you at face value instead of as a criticism. They love you, and simply want you to be healthy and alright. Some signs for them to watch out for may be compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, behavior changes or hyperactive behaviors. Depending on your own particular warning signs, they may need to look for other types of behavior as well.