What experience of successful results with chronic schizophrenia can anyone share with me?

I take care of my 50 year old brother with chronic schizophrenia...pharmaceuticals don't really help that much, and I find that the drugs prescribed create other problems, that his doctors don't address. I am looking for some organic solutions. My brother is not retarded, but he does listen to the voices, and for the most part, he laughs alot with the voices...he is happy. Some of the drugs prescribed, such as the injection of Respira Consta made him very aggravated and agitated, angry and aggressive...this is not my brother's normal personna. He is very gentle and kind hearted and non-aggressive, non-violent...used to be an incredible artist. He is tired of drugs, and wants to find a way that won't compromise his liver and other organs and overall health. The drugs take him into depression...so please feel free to contribute whatever positive and promising experience or knowledge that you have or have heard of. Thank you for your contribution.

I don't take medicine, but I still see a psychiatrist and a psychologist. I am educating them on how to deal with patients who medicine is unwanted or doesn't work. The medicines also had behavioral side effects for me when I took them as well as physical as they have shortened my life span by giving me kidney failure. I have had schizophrenia for 18 years and I only keep getting better with the help of my faith in God and spiritual knowledge. I am slowly writing a small book on how to cope with hearing voices. It is available for free in the files section of my Yahoo group, but it is an unfinished work that I am getting feedback on from people who are reading and using the unfinished version as well as my own experiences. I'll add the link to my group in the sources section. Anyway I am a happy well adjusted man. Sometimes I still hear voices, but I am able to cope with them and live a normal life. they are not distressing and the ones that are I can get rid of in seconds using the techniques outlined in my book. If you ever read my book it will be obvious that it's not for everyone. The intended audince is made clear from the beginning. Suffice it to say that it works very well for me. I currently own a business and completed college and am looking for a wife. I still have many years ahead of me if I take special care of myself. To sum it all up being diagnosed with schizophrenia was a new beginning for me, while taking drugs for it ruined my life...I am much better without them.

I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia over 40 years ago. The first few years were Hell even though the voices were rare (i was on anti-psychotics from the beginning) but gradually they quit (even though some visual hallucinations persisted until about 10years ago) and now I seem to be symptom free. I ascribe my improvement to the TLC of family, doctors, nurses and of course med's. I also was convinced from the start that I was not going to pay any attention to the unwelcome "voices." I don't believe in gods, devils, demons, angels, or mental telepathy. I got occupied with life. I didn't take them seriously and I think they quit from sheer neglect.

Good luck to your brother, good mental health, peace and Love!

I have worked in advocacy groups with mental health consumers, some of whom have chronic schizophrenia, for several years now. Outcomes can vary. Some are able to live semi-independently in group homes with a high level of community supports but are not employable and remain on disability. Some are higher functioning, able to work and live independently and able to cope with their illness through community supports. Some are homeless off and on and reluctant to seek treatment - which is why we try to bring treatment teams to them in their own "comfort zones." At all functioning levels there are those that use traditional meds and those that don't. Many find solace and help in religion and connecting with others who share their illness.

My advice to you as a caregiver is to encourage him to advocate for what he wants in his treatment plan. If you think the docs are not listening, then either switch docs or call the state department of mental health to complain. Too many times the desires of the mental health consumer are overlooked in favor of protocols which do not respect the needs of each of us as an individual. If your brother cannot "buy into" his treatment plan, he cannot be expected to do well. For more information you can also contact NAMI - www.nami.org Find support for yourself and for your brother.

Natty,
I have DID Multiple Personality Disorder and it is a milder form of Schizophrenia. I have had 10 alters at one time and since am down to 6. I have learned a lot through Therapy on how to deal with the voices and hallucinations. I know that it can be difficult for a family member who is trying to help. God Bless You for trying to help your brother. I myself get tired of all my medication I am also an epileptic so I have to take a lot of pills for that also. I have made friends with my alters and they know not to interrupt me while I am doing daily tasks. I give them time at night to talk with me. Perhaps that is something that might work for your brother? As a suggestion though don't recommend him stopping the meds. but he could work on getting to know the voices by name and then chatting with them at a specific time. If they become intrusive during the day he can tell them in his head(not outloud) that they can talk later at say 7:00. Then at 7 he can talk with them. My alters know that if there is an emergency they can yell and get my attention but mostly leave me alone during the day so I can handle a part time job. By the way I am a 47 year old male with two sons and a wonderful wife. I know the drugs are hard on our bodies but maybe some therapy in his head will help him feel in control. I hope this helps.
Tim