Short communication, Note

Psychiatric dilemmas: Schizophrenia therapy – Case report

Elizabeta Dadić-Hero orcid.org/0000-0002-3119-5205 ; Dom zdravlja Primorsko-goranske županije, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Mirjana Pernar ; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Hrvatska
Paola Medved ; University of Derby, Derby, Ujedinjeno kraljevstvo
Klementina Ružić orcid.org/0000-0002-4696-5102 ; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Hrvatska
Dobrica Rončević ; Nastavni zavod za javno zdravstvo Primorsko-goranske županije, Rijeka, Hrvatska

Abstract

Aim: The choice of antypsychotics in schizophrenia treatment is very important due to the potential side-effects, and yet, some good treatment outcomes are achieveable if an adequate choice is made and a combination of psychiatric methods is applied. Case report: A 1st year degree student became ill with schizophrenia and ended up hospitalized in the acute phase of the illness. The reason for hospitalization were the positive symptoms she manifested (obtrusive thoughts phenomenon, auditory hallucinations) as well as fright, sleep disturbances and disordered alimentation. The inpatient treatment commenced with a titration of quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, with a daily dose of 600 mg, which lead to remission of the illness. Very soon a side effect became evident; a significant weight gain of 30 kilos which was the main reason of introducing a new atypical antipsychotic – olanzapine, with a 10 mg daily dose. This new atypical antipsychotic kept the illness in remission and a weight loss of 10 kilos was achieved, while the patient retained her working ability and social functioning. Throughout her therapy, the patient was actively participating in a psychotherapy treatment (individual and group). Discussion: Despite the accessability of choices of treatment methods for treating schizophrenia, while considering the fact that an exact cause of the illness is yet to be determined, the availability of an universal therapy adequate for all schizophrenia patients, is still not available,. A combination of different treatment methods can lead to remission of the illness and a complete recovery, relating to the working ability as well as social functioning. Conclusion: A combination therapy (psychopharmacs and psychotherapy) is more effective as a treatment for schizophrenia than any of the therapies mentioned, when applied independently. The aim of the treatment is achieveing the longest possible remission of the illness.

Keywords

schizophrenia; atypical antipsychotics; psychotherapy; remission

Hrčak ID:

45902

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/45902

Publication date:

1.12.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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