Treatments for Schizophrenia: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth look into schizophrenia and its treatment development. First the history of schizophrenia is presented. Next, a background on current treatments is analyzed and debated, describing the side effects of antipsychotic treatment and the problems that arise in the attempt to treat the side effects. In the final section, an alternative treatment method is proposed which reduces some of the harmful side effects found in current treatment methods. Particularly the practice of Tai Chi can be beneficial for patients who develop side effects as a result of antipsychotic medications. The paper then concludes with a proposal of steps that can be made to implement alternative exercise therapies into the current American healthcare system.