Successful treatment of schizophrenia and all other illnesses does not only depend on doctors. It also depends on patients. Why? Because if the psychiatrist selects the right medication and in the right dose, this is an important part of the treatment, but not the whole treatment. Especially if the patient is not in hospital, but is at home and should follow the regular medication himself. The second (after the correct choice of medication) most important part of the treatment is the patient's compliance with the medication. Psychiatrists use different words here but the most commonly used term is 'patient cooperation in treatment'.
Awareness of the illness is an important element for cooperation in treatment. It means accepting the person's illness and the problems that are associated with it. It does not mean breaking down, giving up or crossing out one's own life. An illness can happen, but what is important is the attitude of the sick person himself towards it and towards treatment. Systematic and responsible treatment makes it possible to achieve better results. Thus, both an attitude of surrender, lack of hope for the future and denial of the illness do not serve the sick person himself. It is better to take responsibility for one's own health and future together with the doctor and other helpers. Try to act sensibly. This is better than breaking down or denying that you have a problem.
It is known that medicines can sometimes cause side effects. Doctors are also aware of this and know the side effects of medicines. However, they cannot always predict which side effect will occur in a particular patient and how severe it will be. It is important to talk to your doctor about the side effects of medicines. Especially about those effects of medicines that make it difficult to lead your daily life. Try to engage in a dialogue with your doctor about the possibility of adjusting your medication so that side effects are as uncomfortable as possible. Treating side effects as an excuse to stop taking medication is a course of action that harms the person being treated. Unfortunately, some people do this and say "since the medicine gives side effects, I will not take it". More often than not, this is just an excuse to justify their negative attitude towards medication. There are a great many people who regularly take medication despite experiencing side effects. This is because they know that such side effects may occur, but the benefit of regular treatment is greater and more significant.
The article comes from the 4th issue of Finding Your Way (click to download GCFF)
