How is Schizophrenia Treated, Mortality Rates and Further Information

by Rethink

(Page 4 of 4)

Schizophrenia is best treated using a combination of medication and talking therapies.

When you are first diagnosed with schizophrenia one of your first priorities may be finding the right treatment. You may wish to consider medication. Information on finding the right treatment can be found here.

The most common medications used to control to symptoms of schizophrenia are antipsychotics. Newer antipsychotics are specialised enough to be able to deal with both positive and negative symptoms.

'Only the Best' is a Rethink guide to choosing and getting the most out of medication for psychosis. Alternatively you can get a hard copy by contacting the Rethink National Advice Service on (020 8974 6814 or [e-mail])

The symptoms of schizophrenia can also be treated with talking therapies. Cognitive therapy has helped many people deal with hearing voices.

mortality rates

Mortality in people with schizophrenia is two to three times higher than that in the general population. Research has shown that there are appreciable increases in deaths from natural and cardiovascular causes suggesting that they were less healthy perhaps because their illness caused them to adopt an unhealthy lifestyle and to be less inclined to seek health care.

Approximately 30-40% of people with schizophrenia attempt suicide sometime during their life. One of every 10 people eventually commits suicide. Young men with chronic illness are more at risk. A good educational background and high performance expectations are also risk factors. Suicide is more likely to happen in an upswing of the disorder, when the symptoms have subsided a little and the person sees reality more clearly.

further information

Rethink severe mental illness (formerly National Schizophrenia Fellowship is the leading charity with information on schizophrenia. We run day services, support services, respite care, advice and helplines, and courses for both people with mental illness and their carers. We are also involved in campaigning and challenging stigma.

Rethink severe mental illness
28 Castle Street
Kingston-upon-Thames
KT1 1SS

tel: [phone]
advice line: 0208 974 6814
Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-3pm, Tue, Thur, 10am-1pm
fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
WWW: http://www.rethink.org

The Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain provides information primarily on schizophrenia and nutritional treatments of symptoms.

The Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain
“Bryn Hyfryd”
The Cresent
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 2AG

tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
WWW: http://www.sagb.co.uk

About the Author

www.rethink.org
Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK. We are dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by severe mental illness, whether they have a condition themselves, care for others who do, or are professionals or volunteers working in the mental health field.