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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lao Tzu on February 11, 2011, at 15:28:44
I have schizophrenia, and though it is difficult to deal with at times, I have been fortunate in many ways. I have a supportive family. My medication helps most of the symptoms, but not all. I take a lot of vitamins and they help as well to keep my mind functioning better. Some of the vitamins that are really helpful are B12, B6, B1, E, C, zinc, and selenium, and some fish and borage oil each. Over time, I needed to determine optimum dosages of these vitamins, and it was very frustrating. I couldn't quite determine beneficial dosages, but over time I learned about the dosages that were most effective for me. It took a long time, though. Nowadays, I do feel a lot better, but some symptoms persist, such as low motivation, low socialization, not working, and at times, a little depression and anxiety, but these two are not overly troublesome. I deal with it the best way I can. I am currently working on trying to change my thinking, which may contribute to the anxiety and depression. I bought a book on changing your thinking. I don't know if it would help a person with schizophrenia, but it couldn't hurt either. So if you are schizophrenic, know that medication and vitamins will help you, but know that it will take some time to figure it all out. I've been through a lot of hell, and I think I am stronger because of it.
Lao
Posted by jjjaspar on February 13, 2011, at 18:34:17
In reply to Schizophrenia:Medication and Vitamins, posted by Lao Tzu on February 11, 2011, at 15:28:44
That is awesome, Lao. I believe you have been through hell, and are stronger. It is a tribute to your character.
Nutrients are very important to health and functioning of the body, and last time I checked, my brain was part of my body.
Some people do well on a "micronutrient" supplement such as Truehope's empower combined with fish oil, and some amino acids. Some do like you did and find their own combinations.
There are some good books on this topic, such as one by Mark Hyman (Ultramind solution) and one by Jeanie Wolfson (It's Not Mental).
Posted by former poster on February 14, 2011, at 14:57:01
In reply to Schizophrenia:Medication and Vitamins, posted by Lao Tzu on February 11, 2011, at 15:28:44
>> I bought a book on changing your thinking. I don't know if it would help a person with schizophrenia, but it couldn't hurt either.<<
Absolutely! Changing your thinking can help! I'm all for medication, western, eastern and alternative. But I have seen "schizophrenic" patients improve dramatically with cognitive therapy. Years ago I took one of my parents to a self-help non profit cognitive therapy group. These people were labeled as "nervous and former mental patients". Back in the pre-SSRI/AP years there were several delusional and psychotic patients in the group that were able to reduce their medication or stop completely. Some of these people were in really rough shape, others seemed completely stable. I found it very helpful for my OCD and depression. Sadly, this international group seems to be fading away now with improved meds and information. I wish there were a group near me.
http://recoveryinternational.org/
Posted by Lao Tzu on February 17, 2011, at 15:54:11
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia:Medication and Vitamins » Lao Tzu, posted by former poster on February 14, 2011, at 14:57:01
My psychiatrist thinks it is great I am reading up on cognitive behavioral therapy. It is enlightening and useful, but I don't know to what degree it will help since schizophrenia is largely a biochemical illness, but psychology can work wonders once you've stabilized in a chemical sense. I'm just going to read every book I can get my hands on and fill my mind with knowledge on the subject. I had psychology courses back in college, but that was so long ago (pre-psychosis), and I don't remember much. CBT to me sounds logical and simple, but schizophrenia is a complex thought disorder that may benefit in some sense from CBT. I only recommend it for schizophrenics who have stabilized on medication. First thing is first, you know?I think it takes a lot of effort to use the CBT for schizophrenics than it would be for normal people, just because the illness is so severe, but I am finding that it does help me feel better and relax a little more. However, medication and vitamin therapy is a must for schizophrenia. The CBT probably should come after this is achieved. At least, that's seems to be the most efficient plan for myself because CBT didn't work for me when I was first diagnosed schizophrenic. My mind was somewhere else all the time, and I was very disorganized in thought and action, and all I could think about was my delusions. At the time, I didn't do anything to help myself, not even take medication. Eventually, with help from my family, I stabilized on medication and have been doing fine ever since. The thing that really helped was getting injections of Risperdal every two weeks. That way I had no choice but to comply with the treatment, and this is what returned me to a more normal, functioning human being.
Lao
Posted by butternut on May 11, 2011, at 18:51:43
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia:Medication and Vitamins » Lao Tzu, posted by former poster on February 14, 2011, at 14:57:01
> >> I bought a book on changing your thinking. I don't know if it would help a person with schizophrenia, but it couldn't hurt either.<<
>
> Absolutely! Changing your thinking can help! I'm all for medication, western, eastern and alternative. But I have seen "schizophrenic" patients improve dramatically with cognitive therapy. Years ago I took one of my parents to a self-help non profit cognitive therapy group. These people were labeled as "nervous and former mental patients". Back in the pre-SSRI/AP years there were several delusional and psychotic patients in the group that were able to reduce their medication or stop completely. Some of these people were in really rough shape, others seemed completely stable. I found it very helpful for my OCD and depression. Sadly, this international group seems to be fading away now with improved meds and information. I wish there were a group near me.
>
> http://recoveryinternational.org/
>
> Hi there, was browsing nutritional info and saw this post. I would like to add my support for this group. I saw first hand the incredibly positive effect it had my mother, and by reading her books, it has been able to help me too. I really wish there were more meetings, the closest one in my area is about an hour away, and I just haven't been able to make that time commitment even though I know it will help.
Posted by former poster on May 12, 2011, at 2:48:16
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia:Medication and Vitamins, posted by butternut on May 11, 2011, at 18:51:43
Its a mystery why some of the best things in life are free and this organization is completely non profit. Thanks for adding your post!
This is the end of the thread.
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