How Exact are Diagnoses of Psychosis, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Mania, etc.?
The criteria for a diagnosis of a mental disorder like schizophrenia, psychosis, or dementia have all evolved over time. For example, most cases of dementia are decided in the office of a general practitioner, with input from family members often relied on for diagnostic criteria. Although the newest version of the DSM (V) has changed “dementia” to “neurocognitive disorder,” the term dementia is still used on drug packaging and also commonly used in the bulk of medical literature and in conversation.
The DSM lists a quite short list of criteria for a diagnosis of “neurocognitive disorder” which is in reality an umbrella term for various symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline. Changes to diagnostic criteria require some effort to grasp the complexity of such a diagnosis, despite the brevity of its description in the diagnostic manual. For example, Alzheimer’s Disease is now classed as a sub-type of dementia. In addition, various psychiatric terms are used to describe different characteristics associated with a neurocognitive disorder, such as “aphasia” (the loss of language skills), “apraxia” (the inability to execute normal movements or gestures), and “agnosia” (an inability to recognize everyday objects or persons).16
This is especially concerning since neurocognitive disorder (dementia) has been described in recent medical literature as a mental health epidemic of major proportions in recent years.18
An accurate diagnosis of schizophrenia also takes a bit of time and effort to review since many aspects have been updated (and some dropped) in the DSM-V. One factor that was carried over from DSM-IV was the stipulation that hallucinations, mania, delusions, etc. cannot be attributed to substance use (prescribed or other) or to some other physiological condition. Making such a differentiation takes lab tests, medical history, and a thorough full-spectrum medical check-up, and often, in the middle of a crisis, there is no time to take such actions. And in a condition of psychosis or other distress, a cogent history may not be readily available from the patient. As a result of these and other complexities, misdiagnosis and errors in the treatment of schizophrenia, psychosis, dementia, Bipolar 1, etc., are not at all uncommon.3,5,19,20
We want you to know that Alternative to Meds Center does not focus on labels but on improving mental health naturally and safely. But we do recommend understanding more about how such a label may have been used to justify drug treatment, especially if long-term loxapine effects have caused distress instead of improved health. Knowledge can be empowering.
Prescribing Information for Loxapine
There are several versions of generic loxapine that come in capsules, liquid suspension, inhalant powder, and intramuscular injectable forms.2
For immediate control of agitation, the inhalant form can be given once per 24-hour period, but only in a specially licensed facility.
The intramuscular form can be given every 4 to 6 hours to control agitation or other symptoms.
Once the patient has stabilized, and they are able to take medication orally, the label recommends transitioning to the capsule or oral concentrate form, and this switch should occur within 5 days.
Strategies to Help Loxapine Long-Term Effects
Discontinuation of antipsychotic medication can be a strategy to overcome long-term effects and regain natural mental health. But the process must be done very gradually, with adequate preparation and ongoing support in place. More information on coming off antipsychotic medication safely can be found on ATMC’s medication cessation pages.
Recovering Natural Mental Health at Alternative to Meds Center
As a short-term remedy for an extreme mental health crisis, medication may have been the best option for that situation. However, long-term loxapine use does not always provide the best possibility for recovery of mental health.
At Alternative to Meds Center, many therapeutic applications are used to help our clients transition to the reduction or elimination of medication. Natural substances can be used to help ease this transition, and help the neurochemistry normalize in safe, healthy ways. Clients can take advantage of neurotoxin removal, natural neurotransmitter rehabilitation, exercise including Qi Gong, yoga, and Equine Therapy, corrected diet and supplementation, CBT, IV treatments, safe discontinuation protocols under medical supervision, and a wealth of other therapeutic opportunities to restore mental wellness safely and gradually.
Perhaps you have concerns about warning signs in your or in a loved one’s situation. Please call us for more information on options for treatment. We would like to provide more details on our comfortable cessation programs and get all your questions answered, including insurance coverage, length of the program, and anything else you would like to learn more about.
Our clients express a desire to regain mental wellness in a holistic and compassionate setting under medical supervision. Our programs are designed on an individual basis for each unique person to receive such help. Over 40 trained professionals are on hand to assist, and the facility provides a warm and friendly setting, including peer support programs. Please contact us for more information about our world-class recovery program to prevent loxapine long-term effects from negatively impacting your or your loved one’s life.
Brain volume loss
