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

Charlie Rose Brain Series 2: Schizophrenia

This is a one hour talk show Charlie Rose Brain Series 2: Schizophrenia with Eric Kandel of Columbia University, Danny Hurley, Steven M. Paul of Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornelia Bargmann of Rockefeller University, Judith Rapoport of The National Institute of Mental Health, David A. Lewis of University of Pittsburgh.

Danny Hurley is the person who talks about his own experience with schizophrenia. The caring people at this roundtable are at the forefront of schizophrenia research and recovery help. It's an intelligent discussion of the history of schizophrenia and where we are at now in dealing with schizophrenia.

I was interested to hear about the genetic basis of schizophrenia research and to find that there is a link between schizophrenia and autism.

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.

Will Marijuana Help?

When it comes to mixing marijuana and schizophrenia, the facts could not be more clear. They go together like gasoline and a lit match; Dangerous! Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia sometimes turn to marijuana or other street drugs in an effort to self-medicate. What kind of results do they get? Study after study shows marijuana to be an instigating factor in the onset of schizophrenia and a trigger for schizophrenic episodes.

In one example, a study interviewed 50,000 members of the Swedish Army about their drug consumption and followed up with them later in life. Those who were heavy consumers of marijuana  at age 18 were over 600% more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia over the next 15 years than those did not take it. Experts estimate that between 8% and 13% of all schizophrenia cases are linked to marijuana / cannabis use during teen years.

Use of street drugs (including LSD,methamphetamine,marijuana/hash/cannabis) and alcohol have been linked with significantly increased probability of developing psychosis and schizophrenia. This link has been documented in over 30 different scientific studies over the past 20 years.  

Marijuana is not the answer.

Johnny - Schizoaffective Disorder

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