DIFFERENT BRAIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURE
Scientists think that an imbalance in the complex, interrelated chemical
reactions of the brain involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and
glutamate, and possibly others, plays a role in schizophrenia.
Neurotransmitters are substances that brain cells use to communicate
with each other. Scientists are learning more about how brain chemistry
How is schizophrenia treated?
Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, treatments focus
on eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Treatments include
antipsychotic medications and various psychosocial treatments. Research
on “coordinated specialty care,” where a case manager, the patient, and a
medication and psychosocial treatment team work together, has shown
promising results for recovery.
ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS
Antipsychotic medications have been available since the mid-1950s. The
older types are called conventional or typical antipsychotics.
In the 1990s, new antipsychotic medications were developed. These new
medications are called second-generation or atypical antipsychotics.