November 30, 2007

3D Simulated Experience of Schizophrenia

I've found a video on ABC's website, which I think does a decent job of giving people who don't suffer from schizophrenia a look into what those of us that do suffer from it experience. The video is a 3D simulation that mainly focuses on the hallucination symptoms of the disorder and the whole experience provides visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) and olfactory (smelling) examples.

You'll have to bear through a few seconds of advertisements to watch this video, but it is pretty interesting. Apparently, the drug company Janssen has developed this 3D simulation experience for police and mental health care workers, to give them some idea of what schizophrenia is like. The goal is that by watching this video, police and mental health care workers will have a better understanding of how to help people with schizophrenia in real life situations.

I think it would be pretty cool if every city could have one of these contraptions to train people with, because I think it would be somewhat effective in sensitizing people to what it might be like to have schizophrenia.

I know I have personally been in situations where mental health workers and the police have been completely baffled about what was going on with me and how to properly help me, because I was acting so oddly.

What would really be awesome would be if they had this thing outside a grocery store or something so everyone could try it out. Now THAT would really increase awareness about schizophrenia in a BIG way!!!

To Watch the Video on ABC's Site--Enjoy!
Learn More About Janssen's Creation of the Simulation

Related Reading:
Personal Stories of Schizophrenia
Hearing Messages An Early Sign of Schizophrenia?
Voices in Schizophrenia

Posted by Kristin at November 30, 2007 06:12 PM

More Information on Kristin's Schizophrenia Video Blog

Comments

Wow that is an amazing idea, a schizophrenia simulation...I’m waiting for my son to walk in with schizophrenia the game lol

Actually the small parts of the simulation I heard and watched were pretty realistic.

I don't no if it would do us any favours with the section of the public that think we should all be locked up anyway, but it might give some insight for people connected in some way with mental illness... very impressive.

Posted by: Salty Davis at December 1, 2007 04:54 AM

Now if they could only replicate the sheer terror of psychosis they would have the ultimate "3-d" experience.

Posted by: jake at December 1, 2007 04:06 PM

yeah its a pretty realistic video, especially the part with the voices...but i think this is a part during recovery process or just before psychosis...like one said here, if they do a 3-d simulation with full blown psychosis..now that's a job for hollywood coz it requires distortion of reality

Posted by: carl at December 2, 2007 02:51 AM

I'd love to see a simulation of thought broadcasting as well as the burden of believing you are to blame for some great evil in the world. I doubt even hollywood could pull that off.

The voices in the simulation were pretty close. I really like the weather man, that we a nice touch, I always change the channel when the weather man comes on so I don't have to be subject to his annoying jestures and insinuations..........yes, I'm taking my meds ;)

Posted by: Rob at December 4, 2007 06:34 PM

Kristin,

that is a great idea about a simulation avaialble to the public in every city. In fact I would say that is a brilliant idea.

We should start a website to lobby it!!!!!

I'm serious. email me if you like, maybe we can figure something out along those lines.

Posted by: Rob at December 4, 2007 06:37 PM

I think this was pretty accurate with the voices but I agree it is nothing like when you have full blown psychosis. The sheer fear of everyone around you where you are afraid to go out in the public afraid someone might hurt you.

Posted by: Danny at December 18, 2007 02:33 PM

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