How to Recover from Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia differs from other mental illnesses in the intensity of care that it requires. A comprehensive treatment program includes:

•     Antipsychotic medication, which forms the cornerstone of treatment for schizophrenia
•     Education of the individual about his / her illness and treatment
•     Family education and support
•     Support groups and social skills training
•     Rehabilitation to improve the activities of daily living
•     Vocational and recreational support
•     Cognitive therapy
•     Integrated addictions program

The course of schizophrenia varies, but in most cases it involves recurrent episodes of symptoms. Although available pharmacological treatments can relieve many of the symptoms, most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives.

Appropriate treatment early in the course of the disease and adherence to continued and adequate treatment are essential to avoiding relapses and preventing hospitalization. During periods of remission, whether spontaneous or due to treatment, the individual may function well. Newer medications (and improved dosage guidelines for older medications) have substantially reduced the prevalence of severe neurological side effects that were once commonly associated with long-term pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia.

Optimizing the functional status and wellbeing of individuals with schizophrenia requires a supportive family and wide range of services, including institutional, community, social, employment and housing services. Ideally, multidisciplinary community treatment teams provide these services.

Social skills training strives to improve social functioning by working with individuals to resolve problems with employment, leisure, relationships and activities of daily life.

Timely admission to hospital to control symptoms may prevent the development of more severe problems.

Marijuana May Hold A Key

The main ingredient in marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can trigger psychotic episodes and worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia. This is a fact. But there is another substance found in marijuana, Cannabidiol (CBD), that may be a key to helping reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia with fewer side effect.

A research team led by Markus Leweke of the University of Cologne in Germany studied 39 people with schizophrenia who were hospitalized for a psychotic episode. Nineteen patients were treated with amisulpride, an antipsychotic medication that is not approved in the U.S., but is similar to other approved drugs. The remaining 20 patients were given CBD. Neither the patients nor the scientists knew who was receiving which drug. At the end of the four-week trial, both groups made significant clinical improvements in their schizophrenic symptoms, and there was no difference between those getting CBD or amisulpride.

 “The results were amazing,” said Daniel Piomelli, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the University of California-Irvine and a co-author of the study. “Not only was CBD as effective as standard antipsychotics, but it was also essentially free of the typical side effects seen with antipsychotic drugs.”

That is a huge point since one of the reasons people stop taking their medication is because the severe side effects are so discouraging.

“The real problem with CBD is that it’s hard to develop for a variety of silly reasons,” said Piomelli. Since it comes from marijuana, there are obvious political issues surrounding its use. Extracting it from the plant is also expensive.

Researchers are working to develop synthetic versions of CBD that would avoid such hurdles.

The study is published online in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

Rethinking Madness

In the midst of a successful career as a hang gliding instructor and competition pilot (winning a World Champion title and multiple National Champion titles), Paris Williams suddenly found himself plunged into a profound struggle with experiences that would have likely resulted in the diagnosis of a psychotic disorder.

Instead of entering the psychiatric system, and he embarked upon a journey of healing and self discovery. He has spent over a decade deeply exploring both Eastern and Western under-standings of mind and consciousness, studying intensive meditation from a number of different meditation masters around the world, earning a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, working in a number of different settings supporting people struggling with challenging and extreme experiences, and conducting a series of pioneering research studies at Saybrook University on recovery from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

In his new book "Rethinking Madness", Dr. Paris Williams takes the reader step by step on a highly engaging journey of discovery, exploring the mainstream understanding of schizophrenia, while crafting a more hopeful vision of recovery.

Visit Dr. Paris Williams at www.rethinkingmadness.com

Would a Support Group Help Recovery?

I'm not affiliated with any group or program. I am just trying to get the word out about methods that help people recover from schizophrenia. NAMI the National Alliance of Mental Illness is an altruistic organization that offers information and support to people suffering from schizophrenia in several ways. NAMI support groups are places where people who are facing the same challenges come together and share their experience, strength and hope with each other. This video shows real people telling about their experience with support groups and how it has effected their mental health.

Schizophrenia - Overcome Mental Illness Together - Ashley Smith

Ashley was diagnosed with adult-onset Paranoid Schizophrenia in 2007 at the age of 20. Since then she has been active with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about recovery from schizophrenia. She founded a non-profit organization called, Embracing My Mind, Inc. (EMM). EMM works with community-based organizations that provide services to people affected by mental illness who have little or no income. They offer peer support in the form of support groups, educational classes, and presentations adapted to the needs of various audiences.

Ashley shares her experiences in hopes of empowering others and promoting understanding. She firmly believes, "We can overcome mental illness together!"

Schizophrenia Test

To complete the test, choose the response listed below the statement that best represents your level of agreement with the prior statement.

1.  I think that I might be able to predict the future.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

2.  I may have felt that there could possibly be something interrupting or controlling my thoughts.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

3.  I have had the experience of doing something differently because of my superstitions.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

4.  I think that I may get confused at times whether something I experience or perceive may be real or may be just part of my imagination or dreams.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

5.  I have thought that it might be possible that other people can read my mind, or that I can read other’s minds.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

6.  I wonder if people may be planning to hurt me or even may be about to hurt me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

7.  I believe that I have special natural or supernatural gifts beyond my talents and natural strengths.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

8.  I think I might feel like my mind is “playing tricks” on me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

9.  I have had the experience of hearing faint or clear sounds of people or a person mumbling or talking when there is no one near me.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

10.  I think that I may hear my own thoughts being said out loud.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

11.  I have been concerned that I might be “going crazy”.

• Disagree
• Not sure
• Agree

Scoring the test: If you chose Agree, three or more times please take the time to investigate further. This doesn't mean that you have schizophrenia, it means that you might benefit by speaking with a doctor. Obviously, a multiple choice test on the internet cannot give a valid diagnosis. A professional psychiatric evaluation is the right place to start. Life is stressful and everyone needs help sometimes. If you are concerned about your mental health take care of yourself by reaching out. You may click here to find a doctor:
Mental Health Services Locator or call the 24 hour helpline 800-662-4357

Diagnosing and Treating Schizophrenia

This video narrated by Dr. Erdelyi, a professor of psychology at Brooklyn College, gives an overview of the main symptoms of schizophrenia and how they are treated.

Schizophrenia Success Story

This is a really well done video by a young woman who is having real success with her treatment. It is from a loving and informative website from Canada  mindyourmind.ca

How It Feels - Schizoaffective Disorder

Kathryn Lum explains how it feels to have schizophrenia. This is an excerpt from an episode of Mental Health Matters, a program about mental health.

Johnny - Schizoaffective Disorder

Johnny talks about his schizoaffective disorder, which is a mental illness combining the symptoms of schizophrenia and depression.