Parents are often the first to ask for help. The family doctor or school nurse can give good advice. They will be able to get specialist help if it is needed. A psychiatrist may need to visit the person to find out whether or not they are ill, and to offer the treatment that is needed. Getting help The goals of treatment are to reduce or stop the symptoms of the illness.
Most treatment is provided by a psychiatrist on an out-patient basis.
Medication usually plays an important role in the treatment of psychotic illnesses. It helps to correct the chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication usually needs to be taken for some time, so that it can reduce or stop the symptoms of the illness and prevent the person getting ill again. As with medication of any kind, there may be side-effects. The doctor who prescribes the medication should discuss the side-effects and how to avoid them.