Supporting a family member or partner with schizophrenia in staying on track with their medication and treatment plan requires a team effort. If they resist treatment at times, it’s important to try to understand their perspective.

Make space to talk about their concerns, apprehensions, and frustrations—building trust is key. Work collaboratively with them and their healthcare provider to make decisions about medication. By fostering a sense of safety and open communication, you’ll help ensure that they feel comfortable sharing how they’re truly feeling.

There will be moments when you need to take charge, and others where you’ll need to let them lead the way. Expect both triumphs and setbacks, but always start by empathizing with what they are going through.

Medications

For many individuals with schizophrenia, regularly taking prescribed medication can be a challenge, and there are several reasons for this.

First, they may be unaware of their condition. Around half of those living with schizophrenia experience anosognosia, a neurological issue that prevents them from recognizing they are unwell. If they don’t believe they are sick, why would they take medication?

Second, accepting a diagnosis can be difficult, especially for young individuals. The realization of having a significant mental health disorder can be overwhelming, and taking medication becomes a constant reminder of a reality they may not fully accept.

Third, psychiatric medications prescribed for schizophrenia are notoriously difficult to manage. It often takes time to find the right dosage or blend, with doctors sometimes needing to test several options before finding an effective solution. During this process, side effects can be tough to endure, making it a daunting journey for your loved one.

Lastly, people with schizophrenia often stop taking their medication once they feel better. However, this can work against them. Reducing or stopping medication prematurely can cause symptoms to return. In many cases, individuals must continue on maintenance medication to sustain stability.

Educate Yourself

Even if your loved one may not always understand why taking their medication is crucial, it’s important that you do. Arm yourself with knowledge by reading credible resources about schizophrenia—everything from how medication affects the brain to state mental health laws.

It’s also essential to comprehend what schizophrenia looks like through their eyes. Do they hear voices that aren’t real? Suffer delusions? Fear their thoughts are being broadcast? Understanding their experiences helps you gauge whether their medication is working—or what to look for when it’s not.

When They Stop Taking Medication

Some individuals with schizophrenia decide to stop their medication. Ideally, it’s a topic you’ve already discussed with them and their doctor. However, if they stop taking it without informing you, be on the lookout for signs of change.

Are they struggling to sleep? Have they lost interest in activities they usually enjoy? Watch for subtle changes—relapses often follow quitting medication.

Stopping medication doesn’t just disrupt the mind; it can hinder their entire routine, affecting school, work, and social connections.

Suddenly quitting medication (going “cold turkey”) can bring severe side effects, such as migraines, heightened anxiety, manic episodes, depressive spells, panic attacks, or even suicidal thoughts.

Tapering medication gradually by reducing the dose can be a more manageable alternative to quitting abruptly. While antipsychotic medications aren’t addictive, the body relies on them to maintain balance, so it needs time to adjust.

Fostering Hope

Treatment goes beyond medications. Those living with schizophrenia may battle feelings of isolation, depression, and frustration as they try to navigate a world that seems different to them. It’s crucial to provide hope—but you don’t have to bear this responsibility alone.

A therapist experienced in treating schizophrenia can help your loved one cope with the illness. Peer counselors who have experienced remission can offer valuable insights, showing both of you that schizophrenia isn’t a sign of weakness or a moral failing. With proper care, including the right medication, patience, a positive mindset, and a supportive network, people with schizophrenia can manage the condition and lead meaningful lives.