om). For example, within the first year after 814 patients were released, 41% of the drug treated patients relapsed while 69% of the placebo treated patients relapsed. This proves that drug therapy does not always prevent a schizophrenic relapse(Anderson 7). Some patients may even need to test several different anti-psychotic drugs before one is found that is best suitable to him or her. Supportive counseling or psychotherapy may even be best for some patients(Awad 270). Luckily, there are programs such as the PACT (Programs for Assertive Community Treatment) within local communities to help those diagnosed with schizophrenia stay out of hospitals and live on their own(Schizophrenia.com).Although the effect of anti-psychotic drugs is a reduction and sometimes a disappearance of the most serious symptoms, they still do not cure the chemical imbalance within the patient’s brain. All of the anti-psychotic drugs used in the U.S. are similar. Anti-psychotic drugs are designed to block certain postsynaptic receptors and do two things: “normalize the arousal of excited patients and liven up underactive patients, give attention to relevant environmental cues(Anderson 96).” As of almost all medicines, anti-psychotic drugs may have serious side effects, which are usually rare. This includes common side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and drowsiness. The less common side effects are decreased sexual desire, menstrual changes in females, and stiff muscles. Some of the more serious side effects of these drugs are slurred speech, tremors in the hands or feet, and a problem called agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is probably the most critical side effect in that it decreases the production of the much-needed white blood cells(Schizophrenia.com). Although, if drug therapy is discontinued, there is still a risk of relapse. This relapse is influenced intensely by the type of patient involved and t...
