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Brain & Heart Oxidative stress and neurological disorders

treatment for schizophrenia. Despite being one of the affecting over 264 million individuals. It stands as the
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most commonly prescribed treatments, 5–25% of patients leading cause of disability, according to the World Health
may continue to experience symptoms and encounter Organization. Characterized by its deleterious effects, high
unwanted side effects. Talking therapies are frequently prevalence, and early onset, MDD imposes significant
used alongside medications. The following outlines disability, mortality, and financial burden on affected
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different treatment options for schizophrenia: individuals and their families. Moreover, its negative
effects are further exacerbated by family turmoil, social
7.1.1. Supportive therapy upheaval, and divorces. Symptoms of MDD include
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In supportive therapy, patients receive general support. After impaired cognitive and vegetative functions, mood
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consulting with a health professional, time is allocated for swings, and loss of interest and pleasure in activities. The
listening to people’s concerns, providing encouragement, treatment of MDD encompasses the following therapeutic
and even assisting them with their day-to-day activities. modalities:
Support from family and friends also falls within the realm
of supportive therapy. Certain interventions in supportive 7.2.1. Hormonal therapies
psychotherapy require a trained therapist, while others, Some patients generally fail to respond satisfactorily to
like “befriending,” do not require specific training. 70 chemical antidepressants. Consequently, there is a pressing
need for more effective methods targeting depression
7.1.2. Avatar therapy treatment. Alterations in hormonal concentrations
Certain symptoms of schizophrenia, such as AVHs, may and endocrine functions play a significant role in the
resist conventional treatment methods. Avatar therapy, pathophysiology of depression. Cortisol, estrogen,
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utilizing virtual reality, has emerged as a potential and thyroid hormones, in particular, are important in
intervention for these treatment-resistant symptoms. addressing behavioral disorders. Extensive clinical and
Recently integrated into schizophrenia treatment options, preclinical studies have laid the foundation for a deeper
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this therapy utilized virtual reality to create a controlled understanding of the clinical application of hormonal
environment. A computer program generates an avatar, therapy in depression treatment in the forthcoming years. 80
human or non-human, resembling the entity the patient
believes interacts with them through voices. Designed to 7.2.2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
encourage and control dialogue between the patient and the Many patients with chronic depressive symptoms become
avatar, the therapy employs a virtual reality environment resistant to conventional antidepressant treatments.
and voice morphing program for avatar creation. Finally, Typically, those suffering from depressive symptoms for
the therapist uses the avatar to engage in dialog with 2 years or more do not respond to chemical treatments.
patients and subsequently administer treatment. 72 Therefore, patients with severe to moderate symptoms
require a novel strategy that combines both pharmacological
7.1.3. Cognitive behavior therapy and psychological treatments. CBT represents one
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Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a psychosocial such approach. It is a goal-oriented, well-structured talk
treatment aimed at assisting patients in re-evaluating their therapy aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with
experiences to alleviate distress and modify problematic various mental health conditions, particularly depression
behavior. The National Institute of Health and Care and anxiety. CBT is widely regarded as the most effective
Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT as an adjunctive treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental
treatment for schizophrenic patients. Developed by disorders. Through this therapy, patients acquire skills
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Aaron T. Beck, CBT applies general principles such as case to adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits, enabling
formulation based on a cognitive model, goal setting, and them to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT
homework assignments to address negative symptoms. can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies
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Current evidence suggests that CBT may be beneficial and medications. Sessions typically involve a question-
for patients with chronic schizophrenia. However, its use and-answer format, facilitating the development of
during acute phases should be considered based on patient improved coping mechanisms for stress, pain, and difficult
cooperation and feasibility issues. 75 situations. CBT is suitable for individuals of all age groups,
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including children. Grounded in theory- and expertise-
7.2. Major depressive disorder based conversations, CBT provides a factual treatment
Major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar approach within a safe, supportive, non-judgmental, and
depressive disorder or clinical depressive disorder, ranks positive environment, fostering open communication
among the most common psychiatric conditions globally, between patients and mental health professionals. 83

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 7 doi: 10.36922/bh.2704