8 Ways to Know if Your Schizophrenia Treatment Is Helping

Sticking to the treatment plan is important and may bring benefits sooner than expected. “Some people might notice an effect from the medications right away — within days,” says Bruce Bassi, MD, a psychiatrist based in Chicago. Look for these clues to help you determine if treatment is working.

1. Hallucinations and Delusions Occur Less Frequently

“For some individuals living with schizophrenia, they might not understand their hallucinations or delusions are symptoms of their diagnosis,” says Dr. Frank. “The easing of such symptoms could be the first time a person understands the full scope of their schizophrenia.” He adds that with medication specifically, these symptoms are often the first to subside.

2. You’re Sleeping Better

As treatment starts to work and hallucinations and delusions become less frequent, you may notice less psychological distress in general and greater mental clarity, says Frank, which can allow you to relax and sleep more easily.

3. Tough Days Don’t Get to You as Easily

“Through the combined efforts of therapy and medications, individuals living with schizophrenia can learn the necessary skills for managing emotional reactivity and how to challenge distressing thoughts and beliefs,” he says. With practice, it becomes easier to handle tough days — a sure sign that treatment is helping.

4. You Have More Energy

5. It’s Easier to Focus

Bassi, who treats people with schizophrenia in an inpatient setting, says he also notices that his patients can focus on questions and answer them more logically after a few weeks of treatment.

6. You Want to Be Around People Again

Bassi says getting back into the social game may come with some adjustment and anxiety at first. “Allow yourself to see how socialization affects other parts of the mental illness, such as hallucinations,” he says. "Some individuals find that talking to other people is very helpful to lessen and distract them from the voices in their head.”

7. Your Loved Ones Notice You’re More Expressive

This type of symptom can take longer — often months — to improve, says Bassi. But after some time, your friends and family may tell you they’ve noticed a change in your voice and expression, which means treatments are helping.

8. It’s Easier to Take Care of Yourself

With the boost in energy that tends to result from treatment, you may notice you can perform daily tasks more easily. Bassi says treatment can lead to fewer distracting thoughts, an improved ability to stay on task, and a better ability to take care of yourself.

Once you realize you want to brush your hair, cook a meal, or take a shower again, you can feel confident that schizophrenia treatment is starting to work.