Advertisement
question

How has the treatment of schizophrenia progressed and improved?

PhRMA
PhRMA
answer
Between the 1950s and the 1980s, the antipsychotic medications available to treat this devastating mental illness were a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they helped control symptoms like hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. But they also had unpleasant side effects, like muscle stiffness, tremors, and abnormal movements, that grew worse over time.

Thanks to new medicines introduced in the 1990s, people living with schizophrenia can now manage their condition more effectively than ever, and with fewer side effects. These medicines - dubbed "atypical antipsychotics" to distinguish them from earlier, "typical" drugs - also help people whose schizophrenia had not previously responded to treatment, making it possible for them to leave institutionalized care, return to work, and lead normal lives.
 

Continue Learning about Schizophrenia

How Schizophrenia Impacts a Person's Physical Health
How Schizophrenia Impacts a Person's Physical Health
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can cause hallucinations, delusions, and abrupt changes in someone’s demeanor. It can be a challenging ...
Read More
Schizophrenia: How to Be a Collaborative Caregiver
Schizophrenia: How to Be a Collaborative Caregiver
Schizophrenia is a type of psychotic disorder, a serious mental illness that interferes with the way a person interprets reality. People with schizoph...
Read More
The Serious Risks Faced by People with Schizophrenia
The Serious Risks Faced by People with Schizophrenia
It’s long been a stereotype with an unfortunate underlying nugget of truth: that people with schizophrenia are more prone to violence and suicide. A l...
Read More
Seeking Care as a Black American with Schizophrenia
Seeking Care as a Black American with Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that disrupts the way a person experiences the world—what they see and hear and feel, what they believe to be true, ...
Read More

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.