Schizophrenia is a lifelong and severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thoughts and abnormal antisocial behaviors. Psychosis, or a loss of contact with reality, is also associated with schizophrenia. People who suffer from schizophrenia often experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech, which can make it difficult to participate in normal daily life and healthy relationships. Antipsychotic medication is key to the treatment of schizophrenia, but finding the right medication takes time. Even when the right balance of symptom management and minimal side effects is achieved, a healthcare practitioner may recommend adjunctive treatment for decreasing symptoms of schizophrenia and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Adjunctive treatments for decreasing symptoms of schizophrenia
Adjunctive treatment refers to treatment added to the patient’s current treatment. The adjunctive treatments below have been studied specifically for use with antipsychotic medications. It’s important to note that no medication or supplement should be taken without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Cannabidiol
Researchers have been studying cannabis as a treatment for psychosis for some time. Preclinical studies, human experimental and neuroimaging studies, and current research suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in the cannabis plant, may have therapeutic antipsychotic properties. A recent clinical trial concluded that when used with antipsychotic medications, CBD has the potential to improve psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Improvements in cognitive performance and overall functioning were also notable.
Antidepressants
Between 2017 and 2018, a team of researchers evaluated 10 years of data comparing the use of various classes of psychotropic medications used in conjunction with starting a new antipsychotic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. The medications included antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and mood stabilizers. The researchers found that benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers were associated with poorer outcomes, but adjunctive antidepressants led to better outcomes. They concluded that when used as an adjunctive treatment for the treatment of schizophrenia, antidepressants lead to a lower risk of psychiatric hospitalization and emergency room visits.
Exercise
Studies have shown that exercise can lead to improvements in cognition, negative symptoms, and functional outcomes for people with schizophrenia. It can also help reduce physical health problems associated with medication side effects, such as obesity and diabetes. A limited study on yoga as an adjunctive treatment for decreasing symptoms of schizophrenia found that adults in a psychiatric facility who participated in an 8-week therapeutic yoga program showed improvement in their scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) as well as their quality of life.
Nutritional supplements
A team of researchers examined data from a number of independent studies on nutritional supplements as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of schizophrenia. They compared data on the four most commonly used supplements to determine which is most effective in reducing PANSS scores. The researchers concluded that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has proven to be a more effective adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia than vitamin B12, vitamin D, and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Researchers around the globe continue to strive for finding new and improved treatments for people who suffer from schizophrenia, and you can help by participating in a clinical research trial. Your time and effort will contribute to advances in medicine and relief for those who need it most.
Clinical trial for adjunctive schizophrenia treatment in San Diego
At Synergy Research Centers in Lemon Grove, we’re currently enrolling in two clinical trials for adjunctive schizophrenia treatments. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may be eligible to participate. For more information or to determine your eligibility, give us a call at (888) 539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.