Is getting admitted into a schizophrenia disorder treatment program always necessary? For people who are likely to develop the mental health issue, perhaps it’s enough to learn how to prevent or avoid schizophrenia.

Although there’s no proven way to prevent schizophrenia, scientists have been working consistently to make it less likely—as long as you take the proper steps. While genetic details can make some people more likely to develop schizophrenia, certain life events may also increase the risk. This means that even if the mental health issue doesn’t run in your family, you may still develop schizophrenia.

Looking for a schizophrenia disorder treatment program in Texas? Call 866.238.3154 or contact Santé Center for Healing’s team online.

How To Avoid Schizophrenia

If a predisposition to schizophrenia runs in your family, you may already know everything there is to know about how to prevent schizophrenia from developing. However, you may be approaching the situation only as someone with a genetic predisposition and not as a regular person who may still develop the mental health issue. The prevention of schizophrenia is an essential concern for those that go through the following situations:

Pregnancy complications: Complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, may raise the chance that the child born will one day have schizophrenia.
Depression or other major stressful events during pregnancy: A pregnant woman with a history tragedy or trauma during pregnancy is also more likely to give birth to a child that’s at risk.
Traumatic childhood experiences: Brain injury, sexual abuse, and other traumatic early experiences may also raise the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Drug abuse: Early and long-term use of illicit drugs—including cannabis—may also play a role in the development of a severe mental health issue.

Remember that even with these multiple situations and a genetic disposition for it, developing schizophrenia is not likely to arise. About 85% of people with a genetic disposition don’t develop it. If you want to do all you can to avoid the mental health issue, you can do the following:

Eliminate drug use
Avoid being in traumatic situations
Avoid head injuries
Learn how to properly manage stress
Maintain strong social and family ties
Keep up your physical health

If you observe any distressing symptoms—such as constantly feeling suspicious or having unusual thoughts—make an appointment with a psychiatrist immediately. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help you spot early signs of schizophrenia and limit its impact on your life.

How To Control Schizophrenia Symptoms

Now that we’ve gone over the prevention of schizophrenia, let’s discuss the opposite end of the spectrum. If you develop the severe mental health issue, it’ll be important to know how to control schizophrenia symptoms.

Like many mental health issues—including addiction—schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when its symptoms have subsided. A consistent schedule that includes both psychosocial therapy sessions and medication can help manage the mental health condition. However, hospitalization may be needed for some cases.

Medications are a must when it comes to schizophrenia treatment, and antipsychotic medications are typically the prescribed drugs for this condition. These drugs aim to control schizophrenia symptoms by affecting dopamine levels in the brain. Other medications may also help, such as anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants.

While psychosocial therapy is definitely useful, it’s medications that truly make a difference. However, these medications must be prescribed by a licensed physician and sometimes may also need to be administered by a medical professional. An example would be when someone resistant to taking medication needs injections instead of pills.