Thought disorder - treatments

Schizophrenia is thought of as a life-long disease, such as diabetes,

- no cure is available;

- but effective treatment can alter the course:

- medication management;

- psychosocial skills training;

- supportive therapy;

- family therapy;

- financial, vocational support;

- substance abuse treatment if applicable;

 

Simple interventions can have enormous pay-off:

- home health visits improve medication compliance dramatically;

- psychosocial skills training and group therapy can help decrease isolation and withdrawal;

- individual supportive therapy can help reality-testing.

However even simple interventions cost money and those with thought disorders are most vulnerable;

- cuts to Medicaid and to local mental health clinics have made effective treatment off limits to many of our most vulnerable citizens;

- in the United States, the prison system is now the #1 deliverer of mental health services.