It sounds like your sister-in-law has been on the same medication for a long time while still struggling. That's really tough to witness, and it's great that she has someone like you paying attention to her wellbeing.
Depression can actually be a symptom of schizophrenia itself, or it can occur alongside it as a separate Show Full Answer
It sounds like your sister-in-law has been on the same medication for a long time while still struggling. That's really tough to witness, and it's great that she has someone like you paying attention to her wellbeing.
Depression can actually be a symptom of schizophrenia itself, or it can occur alongside it as a separate but related condition. Either way, it's worth taking seriously. There are a few things worth knowing when it comes to her situation:
- If her current medication isn't managing all of her symptoms well, her doctor may consider adjusting the dose or trying a different antipsychotic
- In some cases, an antidepressant can be added to her treatment plan alongside her antipsychotic
- Talk therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is also recommended and can help with managing difficult emotions and improving quality of life
The most important step is encouraging her to have an open and honest conversation with her healthcare provider about how she's feeling. She doesn't have to just push through it ā there are options available.
June 28