Receiving a schizophrenia diagnosis can feel overwhelming. The thought of having unpredictable episodes of psychosis can leave you feeling like you have no control over your life. You may feel reluctant to engage in new relationships, undertake new jobs or career paths, or do the simple things that “normal” people do daily.
While schizophrenia is a challenging diagnosis to hear and accept, it can be treated effectively with early and ongoing treatment. With schizophrenia treatment in Bedford, TX, our psychiatrists will work closely with you to find the right combination of medications and therapy to keep your symptoms in check.
If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it is imperative to start treatment as soon as possible. Schizophrenia is a type of disease that worsens over time. Therefore, if you have just recently been diagnosed, your symptoms are likely still mild and manageable with proper treatment, as treatments for schizophrenia are more effective for mild symptoms compared to more severe symptoms. Furthermore, early treatment can help you maintain your personal relationships and strengthen your confidence to continue to engage in social activities.
There are also physiological reasons to seek treatment as early as possible. Over time, your symptoms can actually change how your brain functions. The longer these symptoms go untreated, the more set these alternate brain functions become, and the harder they are to reverse with treatment. Early treatment ensures that you support the development of healthy brain functions, which can counteract the impact of an episode.
In addition to beginning treatment as soon as possible, it is equally important to continue treatment once you have started it. Schizophrenia symptoms can relapse and worsen when treatment is stopped. In addition to worsening symptoms, stopping medication can disrupt your life in ways that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. With schizophrenia treatment at The Grant Group, we strive to provide early and ongoing treatment to our patients in Bedford, TX, to effectively treat existing symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
At The Grant Group, we offer several approaches to treating schizophrenia. The first-line treatment for individuals with schizophrenia in Bedford, TX, is antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, and newer medications, like risperidone, which are quite effective in combating symptoms. Since each patient responds differently to medication and their side effects, finding the right medication or combination of medications for you may take some time. It is essential to work closely with your psychiatrist during this trial-and-error phase to find the best possible combination of medications to meet your needs and preferences.
Psychotherapy is also very effective in helping you manage and cope with symptoms and the potential side effects of medication. Psychotherapeutic approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can give you powerful tools to challenge delusions and manage paranoia and anxiety. Therapy is also helpful in giving you perspective when you experience more challenging episodes. Regular therapy sessions can also hold you accountable for taking your medication, as quitting medication can result in a spike in the severity and frequency of symptoms. We can help you connect with a licensed therapist in the community who can tailor therapy sessions to your needs and preferences.
Your first reaction to a schizophrenia diagnosis may be to deny it or try to convince yourself that you do not really have the condition. Unfortunately, because schizophrenia is a chronic disease that worsens over time, it is important to confront your diagnosis and seek treatment as soon as possible.
At The Grant Group, we understand how challenging schizophrenia can be, and our team is dedicated to finding the right solution for you. Our psychiatrists have years of experience helping patients successfully manage symptoms, and we are proud to offer tailored schizophrenia treatment in Bedford, TX. If you have recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia or believe you may have the condition, schedule an appointment today.