10 Keys to Recovery
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute researchers have identified 10 key factors to recovery from schizophrenia. The findings open opportunities to develop new treatment and rehabilitation programs and to reshape the negative expectations of many doctors, patients and their families. Based on analyses of the professional literature and the cases of 23 schizophrenia patients who successfully returned to work or school with their symptoms under control, the findings appear in the November 2002 edition of the International Review of Psychiatry.
From the University of California at Los Angeles:
10 Keys to Recovery From Schizophrenia
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute researchers have identified 10 key factors to recovery from schizophrenia. The findings open opportunities to develop new treatment and rehabilitation programs and to reshape the negative expectations of many doctors, patients and their families.
Based on analyses of the professional literature and the cases of 23 schizophrenia patients who successfully returned to work or school with their symptoms under control, the findings appear in the November 2002 edition of the International Review of Psychiatry.
Factors detailed in the study that influenced recovery included 1) family relationships, 2) substance abuse, 3) duration of untreated psychosis, 4) initial response to medication, 5) adherence to treatment, 6) supportive therapeutic relationships, 7) cognitive abilities, 8) social skills, 9) personal history and 10) access to care.
"Our findings join a growing body of research that flies in the face of the long-held notion that individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are doomed to a life of disability with little expectation for productive involvement in society, a fatalistic view that in itself is damaging to prospects for recovery," said lead author Dr. Robert P. Liberman, a research scientist at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and professor of psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
"By understanding the dynamics of recovery, we can design more effective courses of treatment and combat the pessimism held by many doctors, patients and families struggling to cope with this debilitating disease," said Liberman, director of the UCLA Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program and Center for Research on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Psychosis. "Increasing the rate of recovery from schizophrenia will help destigmatize this disease, reduce the emotional burden on families, and lighten the financial weight on communities, states and the nation."
Liberman and his collaborator, Dr. Alex Kopelowicz, medical director of the San Fernando Mental Health Center and associate professor of psychiatry at UCLA, edited the November 2002 edition of the International Review of Psychiatry. Their articles are joined by those from an international array of investigators on the process of recovery, prospects for improving schizophrenia treatment and suggestions for future research.
Factors identified as keys to recovery from schizophrenia included:
1. Family relationships: Family stress is a powerful predictor of relapse, while family education and emotional support decrease the rate of relapse. Among study participants, 70 percent reported good or very good family relationships.
2. Substance abuse: National Institute of Mental Health research estimates the prevalence of lifetime substance abuse among schizophrenia patients at 47 percent, well above the overall rate. Though three-quarters of the study participants reported substance abuse prior to treatment, just 17.4 percent reported abuse after the onset of schizophrenia. None reported illicit drug use in the past year, and just two reported occasional alcohol consumption.
3. Duration of untreated psychosis: Longer duration of symptoms prior to treatment correlates directly with greater time to remission and a lesser degree of remission. Among study participants, only 13 percent reported a delay of more than a year between the onset of symptoms and treatment.
4. Initial response to medication: Improvement of symptoms within days of receiving antipsychotic drugs significantly predicts long-term results of treatment. Among the study group, 87 percent reported effective control of symptoms with their first antipsychotic medication.
5. Adherence to treatment: Failure to take antipsychotic medication as prescribed hampers both short-term and long-term recovery. All study participants reported adherence to psychiatric care and medication regimens.
6. Supportive therapy: Positive relationships with psychiatrists, therapists and/or treatment teams engender hope and are essential to improvement. Among study participants, 91 percent reported ongoing psychotherapy, and 78 percent reported that accessible and supportive psychiatrists and therapists contributed to their recovery.
7. Cognitive abilities: Neurocognitive factors such as working memory, sustained attention and efficient visual perception are strong predictors of recovery. Among study participants, all showed normal or near normal functioning on tests of flexibility in solving problems, verbal working memory and perceptual skills.
8. Social skills Negative symptoms, or poor interpersonal skills relative to social expectations, correlate with the degree of disability caused by schizophrenia. No study participants showed more than very mild negative symptoms.
9. Personal history: Premorbid factors, or those in place prior to the onset of the disease, that affect treatment outcome include education and IQ, age of onset, rapidity of onset, work history, and social skills. Among study participants, level of education was used as a measure of premorbid history. A total of 70 percent graduated from college before becoming ill, and an additional 13 percent completed two years of college. Three of the remaining four subjects worked full time before their illness began.
10. Access to care: Continuous, comprehensive, consumer-oriented and coordinated treatment is crucial to recovery. Among study participants, 91 percent reported receiving antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy, 47.8 percent social skills training, 56.5 percent family participation, 26 percent vocational rehabilitation, and 61 percent benefits from self-help groups.
The study:
Schizophrenia encompasses a group of psychotic disorders characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, behavior and communication that last longer than six months. In addition, the disorders are associated with disability in work, school, social relations and independent living skills. The cause or causes of schizophrenia is unknown. Genetic factors may play a role, as identical twins and other close relatives of a person with schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder. Psychological and social factors, such as drug abuse, stressful life challenges and interpersonal relationships, may also play a role in development.
In identifying factors to recovery, Liberman and his team reviewed a growing body of literature that show recovery from schizophrenia can occur under two conditions: 1) when the disorder is treated early with assertive case management and use of antipsychotic medication; and 2) when more chronic or relapsing forms are treated for lengthy periods of time with comprehensive, continuous care.
In addition, the researchers examined the cases of 23 schizophrenia patients who met specific recovery criteria, including remission of symptoms as well as successful functioning at work and school, independent living and social relationships.
The National Institute of Mental Health and the National Alliance for Research on Depression and Schizophrenia funded the study. UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute researchers involved in the study with Liberman included Kopelowicz, Dr. Joseph Ventura and Dr. Daniel Gutkind.
The UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute is an interdisciplinary research and education institute devoted to the understanding of complex human behavior, including the genetic, biological, behavioral and sociocultural underpinnings of normal behavior, and the causes and consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition to conducting fundamental research, the institute faculty seeks to develop effective treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, improve access to mental health services, and shape national health policy regarding neuropsychiatric disorders.
Posted by szadmin at October 28, 2002 09:27 AM
More Information on
Schizophrenia Coping
Thank you for supplying such informative information regarding this disease my mother is afflicted with this, and it seems that we may have a family history. I had to place my mother in a facility for her own safety and it was not easy, because it is emotionally tiring but it could not be helped. Thank you again.
Posted by: Tammie at June 30, 2005 05:00 AM
the ten keys to recovery are just in keeping the ten commandments - many thanks for your good work - will be praying for your contunied success.
Posted by: walter francis condillac at July 1, 2005 06:43 AM
dear sirs
with pleasure pls. send me the latest about Schizophrenia .
thank you
Posted by: s.a.hashemian at July 18, 2005 08:27 PM
your findings are good aids .Please give me a name of a seasoned doctor so I can ask an urgent question regarding my pregnant wife's situation.She has stopped taking her drugs for 8 months for fear it might affect the baby
Posted by: Fabian at July 22, 2005 07:42 AM
Please send a comprehensive resource/outlining treatment for an adult female with schizophrenia on psychotropic meds, morbidly obese, Medicaid coverage in Florida, with no counseling included & inadequate care by nurses& doctors. We must develop our own plan.
Many Thanks---a concerned parent.
Posted by: Betty Staab at August 3, 2005 07:33 AM
Hi,
Thank you very much for your kind notes on Schiziphrenia. My brother is affected by this and is taking medicines for the past 8 years. Once again when the dosage of medicine is reduced ,the problem reoccurs.
Kindly advise.
Thanks
Ramesh Loganathan
Posted by: Ramesh Loganathan at August 9, 2005 08:30 AM
Your 10 points are excellent advice and I would like to add my bit here about psychotic illness. The main problem with anti-psychotics is that they affect your quality of life too; when you feel ok (which can happen to anyone) you stop taking your medication... the symptoms of anti-psychotics exacerbate social withdrawl, making you feel heavily drugged, making work and routine virtually impossible - the key elements to a healthy mind. (in addition to making you morbidly obese and destroying your liver, if you haven't done it with alchohol already ;>) if any psychiatrists feel i am out of line here, i suggest you try taking anti-psychotics for a couple of weeks and monitoring how it affects your life (only joking, they aren't much fun)
in my opinion, this is the big problem to tackle in order to make drug treatment effective! one way to achieve this is to carefully adjust the dosage to balance the benefits against the side-effects - how can it be that every human being is a 75mg kind of chap? this is clearly nonsense and a direct result of rigidly adhering to the dosage used in the clinical trials. Doses are not graduated finely enough here in the UK to allow this trade-off to be made (i don't enjoy splitting tablets with razor-blades) and the effects are not monitored rapidly enough (appointment every 3 months...) is there any sign of better drug titration in the US? is any research being done in this area?
Posted by: tony bandero at September 8, 2005 02:36 PM
Seeking local in patient program for our son recently diagosed as Schizophrenic . Also seeking Local Dr. Psychiatrist. Long Beach CA area who can visit son and provide written report of diagnosis . report for court arraignment. Son is in Twin Towers Medical facility Los Angeles . Son has never been in trouble before, is /was student at local college
Posted by: Howard at September 23, 2005 12:45 PM
it was interesting to read. my daughter ANHAR ALIBHOY is suffering since past several years. she is 26 years.
We would appreciate if you will kindly keep us informed and guide us.
yours sincerely
ZEENAT ALIBHOY
Posted by: ZEENAT ALIBHOY at December 10, 2005 10:21 PM
My nephew was diagnosed with Paranoid Scizophrenia ten years ago. He is now in his early thirties. He has had multiple hospitalizations and tried numerous medications that have not relieved his symptoms. He now needs long term care in the approporiate setting. Any suggestions? He is in Minnesota.
Posted by: Ava Sarafan at January 21, 2006 09:36 AM
Hi:
It is nice to read that there is hope for recovery. My daughter has suffered for last 15 yeras from her teenager age, she need to be detoxicated for all the medication she has taken so far. She cannot go in the society, it triggers stress to her and she thinks they are watching her, reading her mind, and following her and trying to hurt her. I am very exhausted and looking for some relief to get her recovered and be able to work and have her own life.
Posted by: kerri at February 12, 2006 08:43 AM
Thanks for the interesting article on key factors related to recover. I wish that more information of this nature was available in books and elsewhere for people like myself who have Schizophrenia and have heard nothing but negative comments regarding our future
Posted by: jen at February 13, 2006 09:53 AM
My brother thinks that there are movies that are made on him and that people are watching him and trying to know his life. He been under so many different pshychiatric medication. He is very convinced that whatever he is thinking is the biggest fact. I am just worried and concern that hope he does not get in any trouble because of his thinking. Please advise on how to go by in this situation. Thank you
Posted by: RR at February 20, 2006 02:11 PM
My schizophrenia started at the age of 17yrs and i started medications when i was 23yrs.The symtoms have gone but for a few minutes everyday there is relapse but i can manage that. The problem is that i am not relaxed even after taking the medications for 2yrs. Please advice on how to go about this problem. Thank you.
Posted by: ventinoxy at February 26, 2006 07:51 AM
I HAVE A BROTHER WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA,AND THINGS ARE GETTING BAD .HE LIVING IN THE STREET ,I DONT KNOW WHAT DO.I NEED HELP.I LIVE IN THE CITY OF RIALTO, CALIFRONIA.HE WAS DOING FINE WHEN HE WAS TAKING HIS MEDECINE,BUT HE STOP.IS THERE A CENTERS THAT WOULD TAKE HIM.HE SAYS THAT THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM.PLEASE SEND INFO.JUAN
PLEASE ADVISED.
Posted by: JUAN at March 13, 2006 10:20 AM
i have a son who was diagnoised at the age of 18 he is now 26 and has been on different medications, he doing pretty good but still hears voices, and forgets a lot, if you have any suggestion on how to handle the voices, it would be of great help.
thanks maewest
Posted by: faye bolden at April 3, 2006 11:56 AM
I am from IndiaMy brother who is aged 30 is suffering from hearing voices and and sound problems.And you must be knowing that this type of diseasesare very much tabooed heresoHis social life is also very limited .He always stays inside room with closed windows and loud music.We have a school, where he goes sometimes but stays inside his room only.He has also sudden bouts of anger where he hits my mother and father very brutally , and they are aged so they become very hlepless.But now it has lessened ,still he shouts and used filthy languages ,he is under medication and also counselling.But still no help.He is under medication for the last 5 years Please give some solutions and help us.
Posted by: arpita dutta at April 14, 2006 12:20 AM
I am sad too since I just found out my son has schizophrenia and I have never been told this whole life he lived with his father. I feel it was cruel to not tell me and possibly a factor in the onset of the disease was triggered by the way his father treated myself,my two sons and the ensuing family problems, ours was a horrible family life and since it is a known fact that environment plays a role in the developement of schizophrenic behavior, I feel I have every right to feel sad but encouraged at the same time that there are others who have great ideas to help all us "Brainiacs" cope. Fred KUDOS to you my friend I hope my son finds a friend like you and learns to cope thru Miracles, Meds, Mother Nature and love, care and guidance. Please keep up the good work and I feel all your pain as the mother of one son suffering, and his older brother who must have suffered in silence knowing his baby brother was having problems. O merciful Great heavenly Spirit that watches over all these minds that need healing I pray that Mothers everywhere get together and form a coalition to teach our young mothers to be better parents and to never give up even in the hardheartedness of the common people , please hear my pleas to tend to our children's needs and keep these bright eyes sparkling with good health and guide them to happy fulfilled productive lives.A caring mother who has been fighting to set her sons free from the cruel fate their father wished upon them by handing down this affliction is sometimes the answer if she knows the whereabouts of the children. It is never too late, the more one educates oneslf, the better!
Posted by: Mary Roy at May 24, 2006 06:36 PM
I to suffer from this disability. At times it can be depressing but through the grace of god and my medication I can beat this illness. I now am enrolled in college and run my own business. I also have a beautiful family. Thanks for the helpful information
Posted by: Jeremy at June 19, 2006 12:51 PM
sir's
Thank u very much for the 10 point.my dad is sufring frm schizophernia ,i'd like rcv more update,plz
Posted by: sufi at July 20, 2006 03:02 AM
My sister is suffering from it since last 14 yrs as per our knowledge wich we had realised much late. It is really very difficult to cope up with the situation. Can you please send me some addresses of good doctors and hospitals where she can be taken care of well in India at reasonable cost.
Posted by: smita gupta at October 6, 2006 07:21 AM
The 10 factors are great. I wish I could be diagnosed early and received early treatment so I could get my life back early on, but I didn't. So I'm now unable to obtain gainful employment. I also don't receive cognitive training to function in school or work environment. I have short term memory problem, making it difficult to do works I used to perform well in college and at work.
Posted by: Tom Duong at October 11, 2006 11:44 PM
I suffer from it too, for 10 years now. I managed to get back to University , and i have only 2 exams to go, it went ok for a while, but recently i stared to have problems with memory. ca n it be improved by enhancing the ammount of therapy (taking clozapine as my main drug). Pleae if only you can answer me!
Posted by: Svetlana Bulajic at October 23, 2006 11:49 AM
I have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia since 1989. I have not found any relief from the meds until about 4 years ago when I went to an alternative health Dr.
One area I have not heard about is the chronic seems like physical pain I have suffered. But, I have overcome this with risperdol.
I am out of work and mostly symptom free. I think structure is very important because this takes my mind off the symptoms.
Posted by: Frank Gallegos at November 3, 2006 12:17 AM
I HAVE A BROTHER WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA,AND THINGS ARE GETTING BAD .HE LIVING IN THE STREET ,I DONT KNOW WHAT DO.I NEED HELP.I LIVE IN THE CITY OF RIALTO, CALIFRONIA.HE WAS DOING FINE WHEN HE WAS TAKING HIS MEDECINE,BUT HE STOP.IS THERE A CENTERS THAT WOULD TAKE HIM.HE SAYS THAT THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM.PLEASE SEND INFO.JUAN
PLEASE ADVISED.CELL 626 641-9182
Posted by: JUAN LOPEZ at November 8, 2006 08:56 AM
I live in the bay area in california, do you have any recomendations of good doctors and teraphist to help my wife. Who was diagnoside with this disease
Posted by: J.J at November 8, 2006 10:56 PM
I suffer from the disease of paranoid schizophrenia. My sister was a schizophrenic and was diagnosed at the age of twenty-two. She died for hep c in 2001. I was diagnosed at the age of forty-three and had my master's degree and had taught school for twenty-two years. I am presently on disability but, I want to go back to school and get my master's in counseling. I want to work with mental health patients. I have been on my meds now for almost five years and am doing well. I still occasionally hear voices but, I know it is just my brain playing tricks on me. I very much want to have a good future.
Posted by: Susan Deaton at November 27, 2006 05:45 AM
My mother was diagnoside with paranoid schizophrenia in the early 1980's. She has had a more chronic or relapsing forms of schizophrenia, can you please reconmmend a comprehensive, continuous care resource we can try?
Posted by: KB at December 11, 2006 11:49 AM
The given ten factors are excellent for early detection and for prevention of relapse of schizophrenia.I ould like to give special emphasis on good family relationship.
Posted by: sushil k maheshwari at January 1, 2007 09:09 PM
My 22year old daughter would like to get pregant again she is taking risperdol my question is what effects does taking risperdol have on precgrancy?
Posted by: Ricki at January 7, 2007 12:40 PM
Sir,
Im karen Yee from the Philippines. Thank you for your effort.... I too have a brother diagnosed with schizoprenia at 19. His now 28.
Posted by: Karen Q. Yee at March 12, 2007 06:21 AM
RELATIVE OF MINE IS SUFFERING FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS. FIRST USED QUETAPINE FOR ONE YEAR ONLY AND COULD CONTINUE DUE TO SEIZURES ETC. NOW USING TRADITIONAL MEDITIONS AND VERY NORMAL BUT THE QUESTION IS NON-AVAILABLITY DURING SEASONS. WILL YOU TELL ME THE LATEST FINDINGS FOR TOTAL CURE?
Posted by: srinivasan at March 17, 2007 09:10 PM
i am 17 and i believe i am schizophrenic. i have been to see a physcihatrist and he sez im not but i really believe i am he sez i present to him well but i can only present in front off him. my symptoms are my behavour is strange, social withdrawel strange around others. when im in conversation i will jump from topic to topic. i dont hear voices or see things. i use to think ppl were after me n out to get me but not any more. my main concern is how i view the world and how the world is for me. my physciatrist said im not cus i realise im ill. i really really afraid please get back to me asap many regards jamie
Posted by: jamie at April 6, 2007 08:23 AM
thankyou
thankyou.. this is the first time i have actually had the confidence to research the very real possibility of a full recovery from this misunderstood disorder..
Posted by: christian quinn at April 28, 2007 10:35 AM
I have the disease but am fairly high functioning. I so far have not been able to keep a job for any lenght of time. I would love to hear the latest on treatments so I can get back into normalcy. Thank you for your help.
Posted by: Lisa at May 30, 2007 02:59 PM
I am 18 and I really think that I am becoming schizophrenic. I started having short term memory problems, communication problems(I can't find words, I need to think what will I say) and flatness for about a month now. But I don't have any delusions or hallucinations. So could anyone tell me what would be the best thing to do? I have heard that new ssri antidepressants might be able to prevent this disease, but I don't really believe it. Please if someone knows and can tell me what would be the best thing for me to do.
Posted by: Duki at June 16, 2007 06:29 AM
I have a brother that is 28 and was just diagnosed. He does not want to take the medicine so far. Is there anyway to get him to? He can not interact socially and never feels well. Can you please send my any information you may have?
Posted by: Roxy at June 23, 2007 12:27 PM
I appreciate your website and its purposes. Schizophrenia is a difficult disease and once controlled one is sometimes left isolated and empty. I would like to see more literature and perhaps an online group on post schitzophrenia. You know, once you are "well". Although i strongly beleive in proffessional services sometimes the best support comes from someone who understands the issue first hand. If any group is established for people living with schitzophrenia please make me aware. e - mail = thisisitisthis@yahoo.ca
thank you,
Julian
Posted by: Julian Marc Babin at July 1, 2007 04:39 PM
I have schiziphrenia for 8yrs now .Iam from Haiti .Ifeel like witcraft people do after me makes me hear voices makes me feel out of reality .PLease tell me about a book where people that have the same sickness as me make it in life .I would like to buy the book.
Posted by: MarieHansMassena at July 2, 2007 08:25 PM
the information is quite useful. please suggest some ways on how to bring the patient out of delusions and bring him out of thinking and let him speak.
Posted by: kapoor at August 20, 2007 11:19 PM
My mom was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar and long story short she thinks nothing is wrong with her, and she thinks a high person and doctors are making human sacrifices on her and people among many many other things, she has all the symptoms homeless,no job,voices,delusions ect. but she hasn't even gotten to try meds cause she refuses everything. Do I have hope of helping her??I already went through all the emotions you can go through as a human being.It seems cold but I cant keep her at my house, I have 4 small children and I heard she shouldn't be around them alone if she wont take meds.I am all tapped out on what I should do. We do not have a lot of family and I am well off not rich..I called the hospitals and all I get is if she is not willing to admit she has it she probably wont get help unless she is a threat to herself or others.
Posted by: Crystal at September 14, 2007 01:28 AM
Im 23 an have a little girl with a man that was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after i revealed to him that i was pregnant I have been dealing with this for three and a half years now, He has seeked a bit og help here an there but I know that he refuses to continue with the help an take his meds I have a daughter with him an I want to help but im to the point where i dont know what to do anymore I have a child to look after an want him to be ther for her but he doesnt take care of himself he doesnt shower and has these things that he has had stuck to his hands for 3 1/2 years I just dont know what to do anymore if you have any way that you can help me I would really appreciate the advice Thank you for your time!
Posted by: Crystal at September 18, 2007 03:53 PM
I have a son who was diagnosed approx. 10 years ago. He is currently in the hospital and taking medication. He has never taken it long enough to establish a baseline- We need this to work this time- they are encouraging a monthly shot. I am also wondering if outcomes are better if a person is placed in a long term facility for 3-6 months . And where are they for someone with no funds? We live in Ohio and everyone says there is not one good place here. Thank you for any input, Linda Wiegand
Posted by: Linda Wiegand at September 26, 2007 05:21 AM
First of all, a sincere thank you for your research. My brother was diagnosed with schizoprenia just two years ago, but found out that he was actually born with this condition. What do you recommend in this case when his problem is so developed and he is not receiving much help? What can we do when he refuses to go into a help center on his own will? He has no type of counceling, and I believe the only medication they are giving him are some really strong sleeping pills. Please send a comprehensive resource/outlining treatment for him (his age is 21yrs).
With great appreciation,
Carmen
Posted by: Carmen at September 27, 2007 05:33 PM
I really liked to know my prognosis of the disease. Why aren't any tests developed and other means which could help to know what to expect in future. It would be very good to have such tests
Posted by: Maija at November 4, 2007 06:30 AM
Hello all.
My wife has had this disease for 30 years and we've been married for 17 years and she never told me. It was triggered when she was in her early 20's after her mother died she spent 6 month in the hospital put on drugs that she stopped taking before I meet her. I have a very serious problem she thinks that I want to kill her and that I bugged the phone, house, and put tracing on her car and that I'm watching her on a computer in the house we have no cable or internet or phone line in the house. She has gone to the point of put a PFA agents’ me. The only person she truest is a male friend of hers that don't know of her history and has been manipulating her from me and her family and is stopping all of us from helping he will not let her family talk to her without him. I need HELP
Posted by: Dennis at November 12, 2007 08:07 PM
To the lady whose brother hears voices. Voices can be very scary and therefor stressful. Remember low stress is very helpful for coping with symptoms. When I hear voices I do one of two things either completly ignore the event, or roll with it which ever feels better, roll with it means if I'm by myself(usually when it happens)I let myself self talk whatever rolls off the tongue, generally an expressive Oookkkkk! seems to relieve the stress and fear of what just happened. I don't know why it works for me, maybe it's the idea that this is what I've got I might as well have some humor about it. Of course this would only work if he's cognitive enough to realize such things.
I see a lot of scared people at their wits end on this web site asking for help. May God bless each of you. Remember don't give up, I lived with symptoms for ten years ended up being committed twice (involuntarily, I might add) finally got on the right medication. and am now running my own business. Take care, if I can be of any support feel free to email me at wooldridge@empnet.com
Posted by: Ben Wooldridge at November 28, 2007 04:38 AM
To Carmen, I don't know if I can be of any help, delusions and denial can be so enveloping as to cancel out reality altogether, but I did live in denial for ten years, was finally threatened with being instituionlized indefinately, which brought me to the realization that I really do have a mental illness. That realization was strong enough to get me on medication and keep me on medication, maybe I can share some words with you and your brother that might help. If you like you can email me at wooldridge@empnet.com
Posted by: Ben Wooldridge at November 28, 2007 05:12 AM
To RR,
I remember the movie one, I had that particular delusion going for about three years. Got to the point to where I couldn't watch TV anymore. Is he taking medication. You know there is a lot of new medication out there that people are having a lot of great success with. Abilify is one that is working great for me, I'd say I have had about a 95% reduction in delusionary thinking since I got on the right amount of Abilify. Remember the right amount is important, be honest about any side effects you might be having, so your docter can get you dialed in to the right amount.
Posted by: Ben Wooldridge at November 28, 2007 05:32 AM
Hi,
My 31 year old brother has being suffereing from this for 3 years, is anyone aware of alternative medication? he is currently taking resprol (im not sure if i've spelt that correctly) thanks
Posted by: collette at December 6, 2007 05:48 PM
My son was diagnosed shizoaffective w/bipolar disorder(more on the depressive side) right after high school.He is now 22 years old. He went thru the hearing of voices, FBI after him and him being filmed on cameras, not sleeping at all for days being militant and reading everything about Che Guevarra and Mandela. In 2005, he had Electro convulsive therapy at UCLA w/c completey flipped his mind into reality. He says he does not hear voices anymore but he is still depressed. He will not leave the house for long periods of time, maybe just go to the store to buy cigarettes. He does not interact socially w/anyone except for myself,his dad and younger brother. He spends(just recently) all day in his room watching TV. He said he can't concentrate enough to read a book. He has expressed wanting to work even part time but when we start to really help him w/it, he gets so stressed out and says he can't do it. He is on 10 mg Abilify w/c I think is really helping him. I wish he can get on an anti-depressant too but he refuses to take anymore meds.It has been a long journey for all our family members but hopefully he will be able to overcome his depression too.
Posted by: eleanor at February 18, 2008 02:13 PM
HI all,
I have a sister diagnostic with Schizophrenia about 10 yrs ago. It has been a lot of stress at home and a battle against this mental illness. I truly recommend families, related to someone with schizophrenia, find family support. It will empower each family member to face the journey. I don´t know how long my sister need the medication. We are in Brazil, if any one wants to contact me for support or to vent or share thoughts, you are welcome @ http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=46549258
Posted by: Hellen at February 20, 2008 06:11 PM
Hi!
Thank you for the insight and the knowledge one gets from you.Iappreciate it more as I am a paranoid schizophrenic.Your comments,views and articles are equal to its weight in gold.
People like you give me reason to believe everything good is god.Your positive reasonings show that is all there is to it.
Thnak you.
Bikram.
Posted by: Bikram Pradhan at March 2, 2008 08:06 AM
Hi,
I am a sufferer of schizophrenia. I do not believe that a negative view of the world is illusory. I think that it is real. I do not see any other way to see the world. If one reads the papers one sees how the world is carrying on. Disorder rules the day, it truly does.
I fear for my safety. Others push me into becoming outgoing, a fufilled citizen. I have no choice in the situation. But why should I? Why should I conform? Why should I subscribe to independent living?
James
Posted by: James Hughes at March 17, 2008 05:23 AM
Thank you for supplying such informative information regarding this disease my mother is afflicted with this, and it seems that we may have a family history. I had to place my mother in a facility for her own safety and it was not easy, because it is emotionally tiring but it could not be helped. Thank you again.
Posted by: Tammie at June 30, 2005 05:00 AM
the ten keys to recovery are just in keeping the ten commandments - many thanks for your good work - will be praying for your contunied success.
Posted by: walter francis condillac at July 1, 2005 06:43 AM
dear sirs
with pleasure pls. send me the latest about Schizophrenia .
thank you
Posted by: s.a.hashemian at July 18, 2005 08:27 PM
your findings are good aids .Please give me a name of a seasoned doctor so I can ask an urgent question regarding my pregnant wife's situation.She has stopped taking her drugs for 8 months for fear it might affect the baby
Posted by: Fabian at July 22, 2005 07:42 AM
Please send a comprehensive resource/outlining treatment for an adult female with schizophrenia on psychotropic meds, morbidly obese, Medicaid coverage in Florida, with no counseling included & inadequate care by nurses& doctors. We must develop our own plan.
Many Thanks---a concerned parent.
Posted by: Betty Staab at August 3, 2005 07:33 AM
Hi,
Thank you very much for your kind notes on Schiziphrenia. My brother is affected by this and is taking medicines for the past 8 years. Once again when the dosage of medicine is reduced ,the problem reoccurs.
Kindly advise.
Thanks
Ramesh Loganathan
Posted by: Ramesh Loganathan at August 9, 2005 08:30 AM
Your 10 points are excellent advice and I would like to add my bit here about psychotic illness. The main problem with anti-psychotics is that they affect your quality of life too; when you feel ok (which can happen to anyone) you stop taking your medication... the symptoms of anti-psychotics exacerbate social withdrawl, making you feel heavily drugged, making work and routine virtually impossible - the key elements to a healthy mind. (in addition to making you morbidly obese and destroying your liver, if you haven't done it with alchohol already ;>) if any psychiatrists feel i am out of line here, i suggest you try taking anti-psychotics for a couple of weeks and monitoring how it affects your life (only joking, they aren't much fun)
in my opinion, this is the big problem to tackle in order to make drug treatment effective! one way to achieve this is to carefully adjust the dosage to balance the benefits against the side-effects - how can it be that every human being is a 75mg kind of chap? this is clearly nonsense and a direct result of rigidly adhering to the dosage used in the clinical trials. Doses are not graduated finely enough here in the UK to allow this trade-off to be made (i don't enjoy splitting tablets with razor-blades) and the effects are not monitored rapidly enough (appointment every 3 months...) is there any sign of better drug titration in the US? is any research being done in this area?
Posted by: tony bandero at September 8, 2005 02:36 PM
Seeking local in patient program for our son recently diagosed as Schizophrenic . Also seeking Local Dr. Psychiatrist. Long Beach CA area who can visit son and provide written report of diagnosis . report for court arraignment. Son is in Twin Towers Medical facility Los Angeles . Son has never been in trouble before, is /was student at local college
Posted by: Howard at September 23, 2005 12:45 PM
it was interesting to read. my daughter ANHAR ALIBHOY is suffering since past several years. she is 26 years.
We would appreciate if you will kindly keep us informed and guide us.
yours sincerely
ZEENAT ALIBHOY
Posted by: ZEENAT ALIBHOY at December 10, 2005 10:21 PM
My nephew was diagnosed with Paranoid Scizophrenia ten years ago. He is now in his early thirties. He has had multiple hospitalizations and tried numerous medications that have not relieved his symptoms. He now needs long term care in the approporiate setting. Any suggestions? He is in Minnesota.
Posted by: Ava Sarafan at January 21, 2006 09:36 AM
Hi:
It is nice to read that there is hope for recovery. My daughter has suffered for last 15 yeras from her teenager age, she need to be detoxicated for all the medication she has taken so far. She cannot go in the society, it triggers stress to her and she thinks they are watching her, reading her mind, and following her and trying to hurt her. I am very exhausted and looking for some relief to get her recovered and be able to work and have her own life.
Posted by: kerri at February 12, 2006 08:43 AM
Thanks for the interesting article on key factors related to recover. I wish that more information of this nature was available in books and elsewhere for people like myself who have Schizophrenia and have heard nothing but negative comments regarding our future
Posted by: jen at February 13, 2006 09:53 AM
My brother thinks that there are movies that are made on him and that people are watching him and trying to know his life. He been under so many different pshychiatric medication. He is very convinced that whatever he is thinking is the biggest fact. I am just worried and concern that hope he does not get in any trouble because of his thinking. Please advise on how to go by in this situation. Thank you
Posted by: RR at February 20, 2006 02:11 PM
My schizophrenia started at the age of 17yrs and i started medications when i was 23yrs.The symtoms have gone but for a few minutes everyday there is relapse but i can manage that. The problem is that i am not relaxed even after taking the medications for 2yrs. Please advice on how to go about this problem. Thank you.
Posted by: ventinoxy at February 26, 2006 07:51 AM
I HAVE A BROTHER WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA,AND THINGS ARE GETTING BAD .HE LIVING IN THE STREET ,I DONT KNOW WHAT DO.I NEED HELP.I LIVE IN THE CITY OF RIALTO, CALIFRONIA.HE WAS DOING FINE WHEN HE WAS TAKING HIS MEDECINE,BUT HE STOP.IS THERE A CENTERS THAT WOULD TAKE HIM.HE SAYS THAT THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM.PLEASE SEND INFO.JUAN
PLEASE ADVISED.
Posted by: JUAN at March 13, 2006 10:20 AM
i have a son who was diagnoised at the age of 18 he is now 26 and has been on different medications, he doing pretty good but still hears voices, and forgets a lot, if you have any suggestion on how to handle the voices, it would be of great help.
thanks maewest
Posted by: faye bolden at April 3, 2006 11:56 AM
I am from IndiaMy brother who is aged 30 is suffering from hearing voices and and sound problems.And you must be knowing that this type of diseasesare very much tabooed heresoHis social life is also very limited .He always stays inside room with closed windows and loud music.We have a school, where he goes sometimes but stays inside his room only.He has also sudden bouts of anger where he hits my mother and father very brutally , and they are aged so they become very hlepless.But now it has lessened ,still he shouts and used filthy languages ,he is under medication and also counselling.But still no help.He is under medication for the last 5 years Please give some solutions and help us.
Posted by: arpita dutta at April 14, 2006 12:20 AM
I am sad too since I just found out my son has schizophrenia and I have never been told this whole life he lived with his father. I feel it was cruel to not tell me and possibly a factor in the onset of the disease was triggered by the way his father treated myself,my two sons and the ensuing family problems, ours was a horrible family life and since it is a known fact that environment plays a role in the developement of schizophrenic behavior, I feel I have every right to feel sad but encouraged at the same time that there are others who have great ideas to help all us "Brainiacs" cope. Fred KUDOS to you my friend I hope my son finds a friend like you and learns to cope thru Miracles, Meds, Mother Nature and love, care and guidance. Please keep up the good work and I feel all your pain as the mother of one son suffering, and his older brother who must have suffered in silence knowing his baby brother was having problems. O merciful Great heavenly Spirit that watches over all these minds that need healing I pray that Mothers everywhere get together and form a coalition to teach our young mothers to be better parents and to never give up even in the hardheartedness of the common people , please hear my pleas to tend to our children's needs and keep these bright eyes sparkling with good health and guide them to happy fulfilled productive lives.A caring mother who has been fighting to set her sons free from the cruel fate their father wished upon them by handing down this affliction is sometimes the answer if she knows the whereabouts of the children. It is never too late, the more one educates oneslf, the better!
Posted by: Mary Roy at May 24, 2006 06:36 PM
I to suffer from this disability. At times it can be depressing but through the grace of god and my medication I can beat this illness. I now am enrolled in college and run my own business. I also have a beautiful family. Thanks for the helpful information
Posted by: Jeremy at June 19, 2006 12:51 PM
sir's
Thank u very much for the 10 point.my dad is sufring frm schizophernia ,i'd like rcv more update,plz
Posted by: sufi at July 20, 2006 03:02 AM
My sister is suffering from it since last 14 yrs as per our knowledge wich we had realised much late. It is really very difficult to cope up with the situation. Can you please send me some addresses of good doctors and hospitals where she can be taken care of well in India at reasonable cost.
Posted by: smita gupta at October 6, 2006 07:21 AM
The 10 factors are great. I wish I could be diagnosed early and received early treatment so I could get my life back early on, but I didn't. So I'm now unable to obtain gainful employment. I also don't receive cognitive training to function in school or work environment. I have short term memory problem, making it difficult to do works I used to perform well in college and at work.
Posted by: Tom Duong at October 11, 2006 11:44 PM
I suffer from it too, for 10 years now. I managed to get back to University , and i have only 2 exams to go, it went ok for a while, but recently i stared to have problems with memory. ca n it be improved by enhancing the ammount of therapy (taking clozapine as my main drug). Pleae if only you can answer me!
Posted by: Svetlana Bulajic at October 23, 2006 11:49 AM
I have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia since 1989. I have not found any relief from the meds until about 4 years ago when I went to an alternative health Dr.
One area I have not heard about is the chronic seems like physical pain I have suffered. But, I have overcome this with risperdol.
I am out of work and mostly symptom free. I think structure is very important because this takes my mind off the symptoms.
Posted by: Frank Gallegos at November 3, 2006 12:17 AM
I HAVE A BROTHER WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA,AND THINGS ARE GETTING BAD .HE LIVING IN THE STREET ,I DONT KNOW WHAT DO.I NEED HELP.I LIVE IN THE CITY OF RIALTO, CALIFRONIA.HE WAS DOING FINE WHEN HE WAS TAKING HIS MEDECINE,BUT HE STOP.IS THERE A CENTERS THAT WOULD TAKE HIM.HE SAYS THAT THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH HIM.PLEASE SEND INFO.JUAN
PLEASE ADVISED.CELL 626 641-9182
Posted by: JUAN LOPEZ at November 8, 2006 08:56 AM
I live in the bay area in california, do you have any recomendations of good doctors and teraphist to help my wife. Who was diagnoside with this disease
Posted by: J.J at November 8, 2006 10:56 PM
I suffer from the disease of paranoid schizophrenia. My sister was a schizophrenic and was diagnosed at the age of twenty-two. She died for hep c in 2001. I was diagnosed at the age of forty-three and had my master's degree and had taught school for twenty-two years. I am presently on disability but, I want to go back to school and get my master's in counseling. I want to work with mental health patients. I have been on my meds now for almost five years and am doing well. I still occasionally hear voices but, I know it is just my brain playing tricks on me. I very much want to have a good future.
Posted by: Susan Deaton at November 27, 2006 05:45 AM
My mother was diagnoside with paranoid schizophrenia in the early 1980's. She has had a more chronic or relapsing forms of schizophrenia, can you please reconmmend a comprehensive, continuous care resource we can try?
Posted by: KB at December 11, 2006 11:49 AM
The given ten factors are excellent for early detection and for prevention of relapse of schizophrenia.I ould like to give special emphasis on good family relationship.
Posted by: sushil k maheshwari at January 1, 2007 09:09 PM
My 22year old daughter would like to get pregant again she is taking risperdol my question is what effects does taking risperdol have on precgrancy?
Posted by: Ricki at January 7, 2007 12:40 PM
Sir,
Im karen Yee from the Philippines. Thank you for your effort.... I too have a brother diagnosed with schizoprenia at 19. His now 28.
Posted by: Karen Q. Yee at March 12, 2007 06:21 AM
RELATIVE OF MINE IS SUFFERING FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS. FIRST USED QUETAPINE FOR ONE YEAR ONLY AND COULD CONTINUE DUE TO SEIZURES ETC. NOW USING TRADITIONAL MEDITIONS AND VERY NORMAL BUT THE QUESTION IS NON-AVAILABLITY DURING SEASONS. WILL YOU TELL ME THE LATEST FINDINGS FOR TOTAL CURE?
Posted by: srinivasan at March 17, 2007 09:10 PM
i am 17 and i believe i am schizophrenic. i have been to see a physcihatrist and he sez im not but i really believe i am he sez i present to him well but i can only present in front off him. my symptoms are my behavour is strange, social withdrawel strange around others. when im in conversation i will jump from topic to topic. i dont hear voices or see things. i use to think ppl were after me n out to get me but not any more. my main concern is how i view the world and how the world is for me. my physciatrist said im not cus i realise im ill. i really really afraid please get back to me asap many regards jamie
Posted by: jamie at April 6, 2007 08:23 AM
thankyou
thankyou.. this is the first time i have actually had the confidence to research the very real possibility of a full recovery from this misunderstood disorder..
Posted by: christian quinn at April 28, 2007 10:35 AM
I have the disease but am fairly high functioning. I so far have not been able to keep a job for any lenght of time. I would love to hear the latest on treatments so I can get back into normalcy. Thank you for your help.
Posted by: Lisa at May 30, 2007 02:59 PM
I am 18 and I really think that I am becoming schizophrenic. I started having short term memory problems, communication problems(I can't find words, I need to think what will I say) and flatness for about a month now. But I don't have any delusions or hallucinations. So could anyone tell me what would be the best thing to do? I have heard that new ssri antidepressants might be able to prevent this disease, but I don't really believe it. Please if someone knows and can tell me what would be the best thing for me to do.
Posted by: Duki at June 16, 2007 06:29 AM
I have a brother that is 28 and was just diagnosed. He does not want to take the medicine so far. Is there anyway to get him to? He can not interact socially and never feels well. Can you please send my any information you may have?
Posted by: Roxy at June 23, 2007 12:27 PM
I appreciate your website and its purposes. Schizophrenia is a difficult disease and once controlled one is sometimes left isolated and empty. I would like to see more literature and perhaps an online group on post schitzophrenia. You know, once you are "well". Although i strongly beleive in proffessional services sometimes the best support comes from someone who understands the issue first hand. If any group is established for people living with schitzophrenia please make me aware. e - mail = thisisitisthis@yahoo.ca
thank you,
Julian
Posted by: Julian Marc Babin at July 1, 2007 04:39 PM
I have schiziphrenia for 8yrs now .Iam from Haiti .Ifeel like witcraft people do after me makes me hear voices makes me feel out of reality .PLease tell me about a book where people that have the same sickness as me make it in life .I would like to buy the book.
Posted by: MarieHansMassena at July 2, 2007 08:25 PM
the information is quite useful. please suggest some ways on how to bring the patient out of delusions and bring him out of thinking and let him speak.
Posted by: kapoor at August 20, 2007 11:19 PM
My mom was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar and long story short she thinks nothing is wrong with her, and she thinks a high person and doctors are making human sacrifices on her and people among many many other things, she has all the symptoms homeless,no job,voices,delusions ect. but she hasn't even gotten to try meds cause she refuses everything. Do I have hope of helping her??I already went through all the emotions you can go through as a human being.It seems cold but I cant keep her at my house, I have 4 small children and I heard she shouldn't be around them alone if she wont take meds.I am all tapped out on what I should do. We do not have a lot of family and I am well off not rich..I called the hospitals and all I get is if she is not willing to admit she has it she probably wont get help unless she is a threat to herself or others.
Posted by: Crystal at September 14, 2007 01:28 AM
Im 23 an have a little girl with a man that was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after i revealed to him that i was pregnant I have been dealing with this for three and a half years now, He has seeked a bit og help here an there but I know that he refuses to continue with the help an take his meds I have a daughter with him an I want to help but im to the point where i dont know what to do anymore I have a child to look after an want him to be ther for her but he doesnt take care of himself he doesnt shower and has these things that he has had stuck to his hands for 3 1/2 years I just dont know what to do anymore if you have any way that you can help me I would really appreciate the advice Thank you for your time!
Posted by: Crystal at September 18, 2007 03:53 PM
I have a son who was diagnosed approx. 10 years ago. He is currently in the hospital and taking medication. He has never taken it long enough to establish a baseline- We need this to work this time- they are encouraging a monthly shot. I am also wondering if outcomes are better if a person is placed in a long term facility for 3-6 months . And where are they for someone with no funds? We live in Ohio and everyone says there is not one good place here. Thank you for any input, Linda Wiegand
Posted by: Linda Wiegand at September 26, 2007 05:21 AM
First of all, a sincere thank you for your research. My brother was diagnosed with schizoprenia just two years ago, but found out that he was actually born with this condition. What do you recommend in this case when his problem is so developed and he is not receiving much help? What can we do when he refuses to go into a help center on his own will? He has no type of counceling, and I believe the only medication they are giving him are some really strong sleeping pills. Please send a comprehensive resource/outlining treatment for him (his age is 21yrs).
With great appreciation,
Carmen
Posted by: Carmen at September 27, 2007 05:33 PM
I really liked to know my prognosis of the disease. Why aren't any tests developed and other means which could help to know what to expect in future. It would be very good to have such tests
Posted by: Maija at November 4, 2007 06:30 AM
Hello all.
My wife has had this disease for 30 years and we've been married for 17 years and she never told me. It was triggered when she was in her early 20's after her mother died she spent 6 month in the hospital put on drugs that she stopped taking before I meet her. I have a very serious problem she thinks that I want to kill her and that I bugged the phone, house, and put tracing on her car and that I'm watching her on a computer in the house we have no cable or internet or phone line in the house. She has gone to the point of put a PFA agents’ me. The only person she truest is a male friend of hers that don't know of her history and has been manipulating her from me and her family and is stopping all of us from helping he will not let her family talk to her without him. I need HELP
Posted by: Dennis at November 12, 2007 08:07 PM
To the lady whose brother hears voices. Voices can be very scary and therefor stressful. Remember low stress is very helpful for coping with symptoms. When I hear voices I do one of two things either completly ignore the event, or roll with it which ever feels better, roll with it means if I'm by myself(usually when it happens)I let myself self talk whatever rolls off the tongue, generally an expressive Oookkkkk! seems to relieve the stress and fear of what just happened. I don't know why it works for me, maybe it's the idea that this is what I've got I might as well have some humor about it. Of course this would only work if he's cognitive enough to realize such things.
I see a lot of scared people at their wits end on this web site asking for help. May God bless each of you. Remember don't give up, I lived with symptoms for ten years ended up being committed twice (involuntarily, I might add) finally got on the right medication. and am now running my own business. Take care, if I can be of any support feel free to email me at wooldridge@empnet.com
Posted by: Ben Wooldridge at November 28, 2007 04:38 AM
To Carmen, I don't know if I can be of any help, delusions and denial can be so enveloping as to cancel out reality altogether, but I did live in denial for ten years, was finally threatened with being instituionlized indefinately, which brought me to the realization that I really do have a mental illness. That realization was strong enough to get me on medication and keep me on medication, maybe I can share some words with you and your brother that might help. If you like you can email me at wooldridge@empnet.com
Posted by: Ben Wooldridge at November 28, 2007 05:12 AM
To RR,
I remember the movie one, I had that particular delusion going for about three years. Got to the point to where I couldn't watch TV anymore. Is he taking medication. You know there is a lot of new medication out there that people are having a lot of great success with. Abilify is one that is working great for me, I'd say I have had about a 95% reduction in delusionary thinking since I got on the right amount of Abilify. Remember the right amount is important, be honest about any side effects you might be having, so your docter can get you dialed in to the right amount.
Posted by: Ben Wooldridge at November 28, 2007 05:32 AM
Hi,
My 31 year old brother has being suffereing from this for 3 years, is anyone aware of alternative medication? he is currently taking resprol (im not sure if i've spelt that correctly) thanks
Posted by: collette at December 6, 2007 05:48 PM
My son was diagnosed shizoaffective w/bipolar disorder(more on the depressive side) right after high school.He is now 22 years old. He went thru the hearing of voices, FBI after him and him being filmed on cameras, not sleeping at all for days being militant and reading everything about Che Guevarra and Mandela. In 2005, he had Electro convulsive therapy at UCLA w/c completey flipped his mind into reality. He says he does not hear voices anymore but he is still depressed. He will not leave the house for long periods of time, maybe just go to the store to buy cigarettes. He does not interact socially w/anyone except for myself,his dad and younger brother. He spends(just recently) all day in his room watching TV. He said he can't concentrate enough to read a book. He has expressed wanting to work even part time but when we start to really help him w/it, he gets so stressed out and says he can't do it. He is on 10 mg Abilify w/c I think is really helping him. I wish he can get on an anti-depressant too but he refuses to take anymore meds.It has been a long journey for all our family members but hopefully he will be able to overcome his depression too.
Posted by: eleanor at February 18, 2008 02:13 PM
HI all,
I have a sister diagnostic with Schizophrenia about 10 yrs ago. It has been a lot of stress at home and a battle against this mental illness. I truly recommend families, related to someone with schizophrenia, find family support. It will empower each family member to face the journey. I don´t know how long my sister need the medication. We are in Brazil, if any one wants to contact me for support or to vent or share thoughts, you are welcome @ http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=46549258
Posted by: Hellen at February 20, 2008 06:11 PM
Hi!
Thank you for the insight and the knowledge one gets from you.Iappreciate it more as I am a paranoid schizophrenic.Your comments,views and articles are equal to its weight in gold.
People like you give me reason to believe everything good is god.Your positive reasonings show that is all there is to it.
Thnak you.
Bikram.
Posted by: Bikram Pradhan at March 2, 2008 08:06 AM
Hi,
I am a sufferer of schizophrenia. I do not believe that a negative view of the world is illusory. I think that it is real. I do not see any other way to see the world. If one reads the papers one sees how the world is carrying on. Disorder rules the day, it truly does.
I fear for my safety. Others push me into becoming outgoing, a fufilled citizen. I have no choice in the situation. But why should I? Why should I conform? Why should I subscribe to independent living?
James
Posted by: James Hughes at March 17, 2008 05:23 AM