treatment of schizophrenia?

Posted by sidhesh naik on July 16, 1999 at 09:14:41
Dear Sir/Madam,
        I would want to ascertain the latest advances in the field of schizophrenic research and treatment since a relative of mine suffers from this disorder.Please post this information in the forum.
                                               Thanking you,
                                               Sidhesh Naik      
Posted by HFHS M.D.- HG on July 21, 1999 at 09:24:28
Dear Mr. Naik
There has been a lot of research  in the area of Schizophrenia. Life time prevalence of schizophrenia in the  general population is one percent and the risk increases with a positive family history. Schizophrenia is being studied by using brain imaging techniques like CAT scan, MRI, PET scan etc., electro- physiological studies and  chromosomal studies.
Chlorpromazine and Haloperidol are some of the medications that were used until  recently. Currently, there are newer anti psychotics that are available in the market with lesser side effects such as Risperdal, Zyprexa, Clozaril, Seroqual etc. Along with medications, treatment should include behavioral therapy, family oriented therapy and supportive therapy  which are beneficial for the prognosis.
For more information of schizophrenia,   you can refer to  The American Psychiatric  Press home Page (  http:// www.appi. org/ schizo.html )  OR  national Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression ( http:// www/ mhsource.com/narsad. html) . This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not replace evaluation by a physician.
Key words : Schizophrenia