User:JulesUAB/Prognosis of schizophrenia

Below is my contribution to the Prognosis of schizophrenia article.

Treatment
'''While there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are treatment options that aim to reduce symptoms and teach those affected how to manage their day to day lives. In 1952, Chlorpromazine became the first typical antipsychotic medication that would effectively reduce hallucinations and delusions by blocking dopamine receptors. Continuous drug discovery has allowed for atypical antipsychotics. Rather than being limited to only blocking dopamine receptors, atypical antipsychotics also block serotonin receptors, which allows for the elevated levels of serotonin in schizophrenics to become balanced. With atypical antipsychotics, tremors are often reported as a common side effect because dopamine is involved in processing movement related neurons. In addition to the antipsychotics, schizophrenics are also typically prescribed anti-tremor medications. Aside from pharmacological treatment, cognitive behavior therapy is recommended to restructure undesirable thoughts and behaviors. Shown to be the most effective treatment, cognitive behavior therapy is intended to be supplemental to antipsychotic medication. Utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, schizophrenic patients may learn to replace negative thoughts and behaviors constructively, distinguish reality from hallucinations or delusions, and develop coping skills; while antipsychotics treat symptoms of psychosis. Additionally, the use of atypical antipsychotics is associated with a longer life in comparison to the absence of antipsychotics. '''

Comorbidity
'''Those affected by schizophrenia are also more inclined to suffer from numerous physiological and psychological conditions. Most notably, schizophrenic individuals experience higher rates of substance abuse and suicidality; where more than half of schizophrenics have reported suicide ideation or attempts, and nearly half suffer from substance abuse or dependence. Because smoking is the most prevalent form of substance abuse among schizophrenics, they are also predisposed to suffering from a number of physical conditions associated with a high smoking frequency. The rates of smoking for schizophrenics is as high as four times that of the general population, contributing to schizophrenics increased risk of excess mortality, heart and lung diseases, and even diabetes.'''