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At this moment, schizophrenia can not be diagnosed with the help of laboratory tests, but helpful in showing abnormal structures in the brain are some imaging techniques like computed tomography scans. These scans use X rays to create a picture of internal organs, and are sometimes called computerized axial tomography scans. It is known that the first step doctors follow in order to be able to decide if a patient is schizophrenic is ruling out other physical and mental disorders. This must be done, because there exist diseases and disorders of the brain that provoke symptoms similar with those of schizophrenia. For example, encephalitis is a disease which enters in the category mentioned before. It is also very important to distinguish various types of mental disorders from each other because different treatments may be needed. There are some standards used to diagnose schizophrenia. During a month, the patient must have two or more symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, lack of normal behaviors and disorganized behavior; the patient shows a decline in social, personal, or occupational functions, and this includes the ability to care for him or herself. The disturbed behavior must last for at least six months, and other physical and mental problems that could cause the abnormal behavior must be ruled out. In the early stages, hospitalization is needed for schizophrenic patients, because they can harm themselves, and this is necessary until the treatment with medications begins. There are drugs developed to control many of the symptoms of the disorder, and it was seen that 60-70% of patients with schizophrenia respond to drug treatment. In early stages of the disorder, patients are given regular doses of medicine, and these drugs can be swallowed or injected. When the patient gets better, drugs are given in depot doses. This is a form of medication that works in the system for 2-4 weeks, and is given because patients often forget to take their medications. Researchers believe that schizophrenia can be caused when the brain produces too much neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry electrical messages between nerve cells, and neurotransmitter antagonists, the most successful medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia help the brain cells relax and behave more normally by fighting off the excess neurotransmitters. Although most researchers think schizophrenia is a biological problem, there are some forms of psychotherapy that can help schizophrenic patients. Behavior therapy may improve the way patients interact with other people and it teaches patients to cope with daily activities. Family members can also benefit of some forms of therapy if needed, and professional therapists can help all family members to better understand the mental disorder.
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