Schizophrenia is a mental disorder caused largely by genetics, but also seen frequently in people exposed to certain environmental factors. While genetics account for more than 40% of cases, certain types of drug use can also cause an onset of schizophrenia or schizophrenic behaviors. Schizophrenia clinical trials in Costa Mesa exist to help doctors and psychologists determine the best forms of treatment and therapy for patients.
Schizophrenia does not currently have a cure, and the management of the disorder is difficult for many patients. Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and possible violent behaviors. Doctors and psychologists consistently work together to find different medications or therapies that will help patients manage the disorder and lead normal, active lives.
Medication Research
If you ever take part in schizophrenia clinical trials in Costa Mesa, you may test medications. Doctors currently prescribe antipsychotics to schizophrenia patients, but research is always trying to find which formula works best for each of the common types of schizophrenia. Diagnosis of the disease may not happen until late adolescence or early adulthood, but there are young children diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Many of the antipsychotic drugs on the market are too strong for pediatric patients. Research in a clinical trial may be aimed at children so doctors can try to find medications suitable to control the behaviors associated with the disease. Doctors may also perform comparative studies to see how medications affect certain parts of a schizophrenic brain and an average brain.
Cognitive Therapy Research
Schizophrenia clinical trials in Costa Mesa aren’t always for the best medications. Patients with this disorder rely heavily on therapy sessions with psychologists or psychiatrists. There are clinical trials designed to determine if a particular method of cognitive therapy works better than other methods currently used. Parents often use therapy as the main form of behavior management for schizophrenic children, and many psychiatrists perform clinical trials that help to determine if a certain therapy benefits children as they enter into adulthood.
While the research varies widely, the majority of mental health professionals all have the same goal. They want to find the best medications or therapies to help those suffering from this disorder live a normal life. By conducting clinical trials, researchers hope to find the answer that helps them pinpoint an exact cause of schizophrenia and an exact treatment that works for most patients.
To learn more about schizophrenia clinical trials in Costa Mesa.
