Antipsychotic medications, like virtually all medications, have unwanted effects along with their beneficial ones. Most of these side effects can be corrected by the physician lowering the dose or can be controlled by other medications. Medication side effects should be closely monitored by the physician. Individual psychotherapy is also helpful to provide support and to help people sort out real from unreal and distorted. Family support is also very helpful and health professions recognize the important role that families can play in the person's treatment.
Self help groups provide needed support and social outlets also.
Generally, a combination of medicines and psychotherapeutic treatments, tailored to the individual's needs offer much hope to people living with schizophrenia .