SCHIZOPHRENIA - MyHope

Risperdal

Risperdal is the brand name of risperidone, a drug sometimes prescribed by mental health professionals for the treatment of schizophrenia and some problems associated with bipolar disorder. It falls within a class of drugs called “antipsychotics,” and may be taken by mouth (orally) or injection. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), resperidone […]

Invega

Invega, the trade name for paliperidone, is a prescription drug used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in adults and adolescents. Taken as an extended-release tablet, the drug may be prescribed separately or in conjunction with other mood-stabilizing drugs and therapy or counseling. Like all drugs, Invega should be discussed with your therapist or prescribing […]

Autism: Drugs/Medications

Medications Some medications can help reduce symptoms that cause problems for your child in school or at home. Many other medications may be prescribed off-label, meaning they have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a certain use or for certain people. Doctors may prescribe medications off-label if they have […]

Autism: Treatments

Treatments While there’s no proven cure yet for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treating ASD early, using school-based programs, and getting proper medical care can greatly reduce ASD symptoms and increase your child’s ability to grow and learn new skills. Early intervention Research has shown that intensive behavioral therapy during the toddler or preschool years can […]

Surviving Mental Illness

If you’ve ever wondered how to effectively deal with mental illness, Jessie Close has a lot to tell you. Her new book, Resilience: Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness, offers a heartbreaking, honest description of her 40 years of personal experience. Jessie, the sister of actress Glenn Close, has experienced decades of great […]

Schizophrenia: How Can It Be Treated

Antipsychotics Antipsychotic medications are usually taken daily in pill or liquid form. Some antipsychotics are injections that are given once or twice a month. Some people have side effects when they start taking medications, but most side effects go away after a few days. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best medication […]

Schizophrenia: What Causes It?

The causes of schizophrenia are not known. Multiple factors such as genetics and brain chemistry may play a role.

Schizophrenia: Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start between ages 16 and 30. In rare cases, children have schizophrenia too. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms: “Positive” symptoms are psychotic behaviors not generally seen in healthy people. People with positive symptoms may “lose touch” with some aspects of reality. Symptoms […]