Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects people worldwide, and at one point or another, almost everyone will encounter some level of Schizophrenia symptoms. Although it has been considered a disorder that comes and goes, there are actually several different types and severities of Schizophrenia, which are varying in their effects on those that suffer from them. For example, some only produce limited or no symptoms, which are known as "pre-schizophrenic" syndrome. Those that produce delusions and hallucinations, which are known as "post-schizophrenic" syndrome, are the most dangerous type of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia, by far, is the most common neurological disorder in the world. It affects millions of people every year and is ranked as the sixth most common mental disorder in the world.
Schizophrenia can negatively impact all aspects of life, limiting the ability to live a full and productive life and cause significant difficulties with everyday functioning. This condition is very difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms and signs can vary widely between individuals and between generations. Considering the negative stigma attached to the illness, it can be a difficult disease to treat. In addition to the ever-increasing healthcare costs, individuals with schizophrenia often feel isolated and suffer from low self-esteem, which can exacerbate the difficulty of treating the disorder.
As Schizophrenia affects such a wide variety of individuals and occurs in such a unique way, there is an ongoing debate as to what is the best way to treat it. Many experts agree that traditional schizophrenia therapeutic, such as antipsychotic medication, is not always the best solution. Research conducted in recent years has shown that some patients respond well to alternative forms of treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Other patients respond poorly to conventional forms of schizophrenia therapeutic and require extensive medical care to achieve recovery. For instance, in September 2021, a major pharmaceutical firm in Italy, Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A., initiated a new study to research evenamide in patients suffering from schizophrenia.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often a beneficial option in schizophrenia therapeutic, especially for those patients who respond well to mood-stabilizing medications and who do not have a particularly difficult time changing their behaviors or adapting to daily routines. Cognitive-behavioral treatment also often involves the use of neuroleptic drugs, such as Risperdal. While these drugs can help to regulate brain activity and alleviate some of the negative side effects of Schizophrenia, they can have some serious side effects. Side effects include memory loss, nausea, slurred speech, weight gain, restlessness, paranoia, agitation, muscle relaxation, and sexual problems.