Before dealing with alternatives to chemical cures, I felt the chemicals themselves needed addressing first.
The issue of medication is an extremely difficult one in general mental illness, and particularly with an SZ diagnosis. The reason for this is once again the nature of the illness - it's in the brain. As such, it takes many different forms. So do the effects of medication.
Most SZ patients report terrible side-effects related to the medications offered for the condition. Among the most common are weight problems, restlessness, and disturbing physical reactions such as muscle spasms. The unfortunate fact is that it is often necessary to experiment with a variety of drugs before something even remotely acceptable is found. Some have even reported that the drugs did very little towards controlling the very symptoms they are meant to target.
Having said that, a word of caution:
Never, ever stop the use of medication without the help and advice of a professional. Finding the correct professional is almost as difficult as finding the correct drug - but this is an issue for a later time.
When considering alternatives to chemical meds, be sure to take it one step at a time. A good starting point may be to use alternative therapies in order to relieve side effects. If alternatives prove effective, you could consider gradually lessening the medication.
It's very important to monitor the condition closely while experimenting with therapy. I cannot stress enough the importance of the correct professional help.
So which is better - medication or alternative therapies such as natural or spiritual cures? The answer is as complicated and varied as the human race itself. Each person can answer this only for themselves. And each answer will be different.
posted by Cathi @ 12:37 AM
0 comments
