Table of contents:
- Symptoms of schizophrenia can recur at any time
- How can you prevent schizophrenia from recurring?
- 1. Take medication as directed by your doctor
- 2. Manage stress
- 3. Apply a healthy lifestyle
- 4. Recognize and be aware of the symptoms of schizophrenia recurrence
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness and there is no cure until now. Like other chronic problems, such as diabetes or hypertension, schizophrenia can only be controlled but not completely cured. Therefore, treatment is usually aimed at preventing recurring episodes of schizophrenia. So, how do you prevent schizophrenia from recurring?
Symptoms of schizophrenia can recur at any time
According to data published in the journal BMC Psychiatry in 2013, of the many people with schizophrenia, only about 10-20 percent of them do not experience recurrence of symptoms. In other words, most cases of schizophrenia will usually recur repeatedly.
Added by Sophia Frangou, MD, PhD, a lecturer in psychiatry from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, that the symptoms of schizophrenia rarely go away completely immediately. Most people will experience a gradual reduction in symptoms.
Even so, symptoms of schizophrenia recurrence are not always the same for everyone, said Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH, as chair of psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Some experience insomnia or have difficulty sleeping, and some even get carried away easily when they hear unpleasant news.
That's why it's important to recognize the symptoms if you want to prevent schizophrenia from recurring. The sooner the signs and symptoms are recognized, the more likely they are to be controlled.
How can you prevent schizophrenia from recurring?
Dr. Compton explains that it is actually difficult to prevent schizophrenia from recurring, but that is not impossible. Before it really happens again, understanding the following steps can at least help reduce the chances of schizophrenia recurrence:
1. Take medication as directed by your doctor
It's important to regularly take the schizophrenia medication as prescribed, even if you feel like you're in good shape. The reason is, "episodes" of schizophrenia will easily recur when you stop taking the drug or don't take it regularly as scheduled.
If you have a complaint about what medicine to take, don't hesitate to ask questions and ask for the best advice from your doctor. You can also talk to your doctor about other treatment methods that may help control symptoms and prevent schizophrenia from recurring.
2. Manage stress
Sometimes, your doctor will recommend that you take psychosocial therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent schizophrenia from recurring. Not only good for the body, routine therapy will also have a positive impact on your mental health. Especially for managing stress well.
Because it is not impossible, the stress that continues to surround you can trigger symptoms of schizophrenia recurrence. By regularly doing psychosocial therapy and managing stress, you will be increasingly aware of this mental illness. Finally, the condition of schizophrenia relapses will reduce gradually.
3. Apply a healthy lifestyle
It sounds cliché, but a healthy lifestyle can actually help reduce the risk of schizophrenia recurrence. The easiest step you can do is start by consuming healthy foods and drinks that are rich in various important nutrients, then continue to exercise regularly.
Don't forget, make sure you sleep and rest well every day. Instead, avoid smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs. All of these things will actually worsen your schizophrenia symptoms.
4. Recognize and be aware of the symptoms of schizophrenia recurrence
Of all the steps you can take to prevent schizophrenia from recurring, one that you shouldn't miss is understanding what symptoms appear as your condition worsens.
Watch for the following signs when your schizophrenic "episode" recurs:
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Easily agitated, angry,mood uncertain
- Have a strange idea or thought
- Poor personal hygiene
- Heard intangible voices
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Having suicidal thoughts
Make sure the people around you also fully understand the symptoms of schizophrenia recurrence, so they can immediately provide help at any time. The goal is that treatment can be provided more quickly while preventing the worsening of the condition of schizophrenia.
