Is there any cure for schizophrenia?

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Like if somebody has a case of schizophrenia is there a way for it to go away completely or to keep it...at bay? I'm sorry I don't know a lot of this but I think one of my uncles may have it and if it's genetic or something I'm scared that I may get it. Would there be any way to stop it from taking over somebody's life or what would be the best solution?

[Apodyopsis]

Depends on the type of schizophrenia. If it's paranoid schizophrenia then usually taking medication will remove the symptoms. It also depends on the symptoms (positive or negative). Positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, hearing voices, can be treated by medication. Negative symptoms (negative = LOSS of normal functions) like lack of speech, low energy, social isolation, lack of emotions, etc can't usually be cured by medication.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

There's other types of schizophrenia? What's the difference in them?

[Apodyopsis]

link

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Thanks that's a helpful site.

[selfishstars]

There is no cure. There are medications that help with the symptoms, though they have some pretty crumby side effects. A lot of people go off their medication either because of the side effects or because when things become more normal, they think they don't need to be on them anymore.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

What are some of the side effects. Do you know?

[The_Supid_Genius]

They differ in all of them but they can be pretty random, believe me. One time he freaked out because he thought bugs were nesting in his brain, they hatched and begun feeding on it. True story too.

I'm usually a comedian but this isn't a laughing matter. Sometimes he just says weird insane things out of left field.

[selfishstars]

Things like weight gain, involuntary movements, a reduction in the way you experience pleasure..

My brother has schizophrenia and is on an antipsychotic and he says he "doesn't feel like himself" and says he doesn't really feel a lot of emotions.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Wow, that sucks. It's still better than not being on meds or is it?

[selfishstars]

Yeah, but sometimes when you have schizophrenia, it can be hard for you to personally notice the positive effects of the medication, since you don't necessarily feel like anything is wrong with you (since things like delusions and hallucinations seem real to you). So, when you're on the medication, you're more likely to just notice the negative side effects than you are to notice the ways in which it's helping you. The positive effects are a lot more noticeable to the people around you.

[selfishstars]

But to give an example of my brother: When he's not on his meds, he's paranoid and very difficult to talk to and understand (because of thought and speech disturbances), he also has difficulties making good decisions, staying focused, doing the things he's supposed to do (work, school, making appointments, etc.). When he's on his meds, he seems very normal and his focus comes back. For example, he dropped out of high school when he was younger, but when he's been on his meds, he's gone back to

[selfishstars]

to finish school, got straight As, got his own apartment, his thought and speech seem normal again, etc. But when he went off his meds, he dropped out of school again, lost his apartment, got in trouble with the law, etc. (He's actually quit and went back to school multiple times, all coinciding with whether or not he's on his meds).

[selfishstars]

Try not to freak yourself out about this though. Yeah, there is a genetic link to schizophrenia, but just because your uncle has it does not necessarily mean that you'll have it.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

I see. Well the reason I think I might have it it's because I think there's been flashes of it but I'm just not completely sure. I also don't like to take medications because of what the side effects may bring but if it would give me normal thoughts then I think it would be best. Like I said I'm not sure I have it but I think there may be a slim chance that I do. I guess I'll just have to make an appointment somewhere and find out.

[selfishstars]

What kind of flashes?

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Eh..I don't know. I don't feel comfortable saying them now. :\

[selfishstars]

No problem. Sorry, didn't mean to pry. :)

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

It's fine you weren't prying I just don't feel comfortable talking about it in public. I would have said it if I was anonymous but it's too late for that. Thanks for help and the info.

[selfishstars]

No problem. :)

[Anonymous]

Its usually genetically predisposition. Its different. So if you are put under an extremely stressful condition it might or might not happen. THere are medications that you can take on a regular basis such as antipsychotics as a cure (not the best). Some people can over come it with the psychological therapy sessions

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

What do you mean by not the best. Is it like selfishstars said and does the side effects make it worse or what's up with the medication?

[Opinion Owner]

I wouldn't know based on experience because I don't have that disease nor have I tried the meds but from what I know it makes people sleepy, lazy, unmotivated and causes stomache problems

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Ah, okay. Well if I had a choice between having schizophrenia or being sleepy, lazy, and unmotivated then I'd choose the latter.

[Opinion Owner]

you should watch the movie a beautiful mind by russel crow. I think he might have had bipolar one but its the same kind of medication. A really good insight on it and a great movie

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the suggestion.

[The_Supid_Genius]

Have a friend with it and I can tell you it's best if they take the meds. Make absolutely sure they're taking them.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

I don't mean to be nosy or anything but does it get really bad if they don't take them or what?

[The_Supid_Genius]

It leaves their mind "unattended". Not good. I'm no doctor and only speaking from one person. He stops taking the meds sometimes... thing is he can't tell a lie so he always fesses up to it. We know he ain't on them EVERY time. You will too.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Wow, that's horrible man. My uncle says some pretty weird things too. The problem with him though is that he doesn't want to go to the doctor or take any medication because he thinks some people are after him or something. It's a pretty bad condition. I'm scared that I may end up getting it when I get older. I'm terrified of it happening to me.

[The_Supid_Genius]

Yeah, loosing my mind completely kind of scares me too... well, sort of. But I am sorry to hear about your uncle.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Haha I'm sure it scares a few people. Thanks man.

[elements]

selfishstars and Apodyopsis explained it really well.

Just wanted to say good luck and I hope you're alright. :)

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Thanks I appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

You gave best answer to the dumbest answer. Not answering any more of your questions

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

Eh, well you're not answering any of my questions at all. So I guess I should give you a -1?

[Anonymous]

No, I don't think there is a cure.

[Mr_Solo_Dolo]

So I've heard thanks.

[Opinion Owner]

Np