Schizophrenia is a serious disabling brain disease. Individuals that suffer with schizophrenia have symptoms such as hearing voices or even believe that someone else is reading their mind, controlling their thoughts and actions, or are out to get them in some fashion. In many cases, the person is very fearful and becomes withdrawn from family and friends. Those with schizophrenia also have problems with speech and their behavior is disorganized. 

The best way to treat schizophrenia is with early detection. Studies conducted showed a marked improvement in less severe problems when treatment is introduced at the beginning stages. All symptoms are different for each individual and can be mild to severe and the treatment given must be catered to each individual. 

Medication

Medication is normally the first treatment option. Medication will not cure schizophrenia but the various medications available can reduce the psychotic episodes in many individuals. 

Cognitive behavior

The next step if medication does not work well or to aid in the success of treatment, cognitive behavior therapy is used to help individuals gain control of their symptoms. It works to aid in helping the individual to think normally by the use of learning to observe his or her own behavior and various mental exercises. During the therapy, the patient keeps a diary in which they record when they hear voices and the tone of the voices. This aids the patient in learning how to deal with the voices and learn what is at the source of the hallucinations.

Try various interactive situations. Finding an interactive situation where the patient can interact in a positive manner can be a great success for many individuals with schizophrenia. As many as 40 percent of all patients have noted improvement in their symptoms once they become interactive with others.

Individuals need to learn as much as they can about schizophrenia and then with the help of a mental health professional learn how to ignore hallucinations. 

Study and research is still progressing for schizophrenia patients with new medications. Awareness of the disease along with research is the best way to find treatment.