From the explanation of types of schizophrenia above, the writer assumes that the main character suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. Further analysis of
schizophrenia of the main character will be discussed in chapter III.
3. Treatment for Schizophrenia
Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, current treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms of the disease.
a. Medication
The mainstay of psychiatric treatment for schizophrenia is an antipsychotic
medication. These can reduce the symptoms of psychosis like hallucination and delusion.
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Antipsychotic medications have been available since the mid-1950s. They effectively alleviate the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. While these drugs
have greatly improved the lives of many patients, they do not cure schizophrenia.
b. Electroconvulsive Therapy ECT
Electroshock therapy or known as Electroconvulsive therapy ECT, a full body seizure, or convulsion, is brought about by passing a quick jolt of electric
current about 100volts through the brain. The individual immediately loses consciousness. The body becomes rigid, and then the muscles begin to twitch
violently. The seizure lasts up to about a minute, but the patient remains unconscious for several more minutes before waking in a temporarily confused
state. The patient has no memory of what has happened during the treatment and
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Jeffrey S. Nevid, et al, 2005, op.cit. p. 131.
usually for some period before that. ECT patients may forget other past memories as well, though this is not common.
c. Hospitalization
Hospitalization is preferred when dealing with patients who exhibit severe symptoms of schizophrenia. The aim of hospitalization is to prevent them from
hurting or injuring themselves and gain stability as they take medication. d. Psychosocial Treatments
Numerous studies have found that psychosocial treatments can help patients who are already stabilized on antipsychotic medication deal with certain
aspects of schizophrenia, such as difficulty with communication, motivation, self- care, work, and establishing and maintaining relationships with others. Learning
and using coping mechanisms to address these problems allows people with schizophrenia to attend school, work, and socialize. In these cases, the
psychosocial treatments help most, and many useful treatment approaches have been developed to assist people suffering from schizophrenia.
People with schizophrenia can take an active role in managing their own illness. Once they learn basic facts about schizophrenia and the principles of
schizophrenia treatment, they can make informed decisions about their care. Cognitive behavioral therapy is useful for patients with symptoms that
persist even when they take medication. The cognitive therapist teaches people with schizophrenia how to test the reality of their thoughts and perceptions, how
to “not listen” to their voices, and how to shake off the apathy that often
