Healing Schizophrenia - John Watkins

Most people diagnosed with schizophrenia take neuroleptic ("anti-psychotic") medication on a regular basis, with these drugs often constituting the cornerstone of their treatment. Many are advised to take neuroleptics for extended periods - perhaps indefinitely - even though little is known about how these potent drugs actually work, what their long-term effects might be or whether they are always necessary. Furthermore, many professionals are unaware of the multitude of psychosocial factors that can influence the outcome of treatment for better or worse.
HEALING SCHIZOPHRENIA provides information of great importance to anyone involved with neuroleptics, whether as patient, prescriber or carer. Suitable for both lay and professional readers, it contains detailed information about the effects and side effects of these drugs together with a wide variety of suggestions showing how they can be used more wisely. Information is provided in a simple and clear form allowing it to be put to immediate practical use maximising the potential benefits of neuroleptic therapy while minimising the possible risks. HEALING SCHIZOPHRENIA challenges the now widely held belief that most diagnosed people require indefinite neuroleptic treatment and that recovery is relatively unusual without it. It shows how a holistic approach that treats body, mind and soul, significantly improves the likelihood of healing and recovery even for those with a long history of schizophrenia.