Schizophrenia

Symptoms

Schizophrenia affects approximately one in 100 people and exists worldwide. The term “schizophrenia” is widely misused. It is not a multiple personality disorder or manic depression. The word schizophrenia literally means splitting of the mind. However, it is not so much a split, as a disconnection from reality. This disconnection brings changes in perception and behavior, which affect personality, and result in isolation and withdrawal.

Schizophrenia does not occur overnight, but rather develops slowly over many months, usually beginning in young adulthood or adolescence. Characteristic changes in concentration, perception and thought are not only noticeable to others, but also to the sufferer. An increasing difficulty communicating with others adds to the withdrawal. Not all cases of schizophrenia are severe, and some recover completely. Most improve with therapy, though relapses do occur when follow-up counseling is unavailable or insufficient.

There are various types of schizophrenia. In borderline schizophrenia, the person acts inappropriately or ambivalently in certain situations, or makes bizarre comments. Difficulty concentrating and confusion cause speech patterns to wander. Remarks become illogical or make little sense to the listener. Rocking back and forth or pacing are typical physical signs. The appearance is messy, and the expression confused.

More severe forms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions. Some people hear evil voices plotting against them and they feel they are being followed. Others feel they are linked to or controlled by the thought process of a whole network of people. Periods of profound depression often occur and suicide attempts are not uncommon.

Paranoid schizophrenia is typically experienced in episodes, leaving the person feeling scared and guilty. This form affects many individuals who are highly creative, intelligent and impressionable.

Catatonic schizophrenia is perhaps the most severe, but it is rare. In this illness, emotional extremes cause fear of complete loss of control. Periods of extreme hyperactivity, excitement and shouting alternate with total immobility, where a person assumes an unnatural position for hours. Although angry outbursts and threats can occur in these states, dangerous activity is rare, even in severe forms. It is usually focused on a particular figure deemed responsible for the
victim’s plight.

Causes

When schizophrenia establishes itself in early adulthood, it can be difficult to distinguish from other emotional problems many teenagers experience, especially when combined with alcohol and drug problems. Often, grief or a stressful event will trigger the onset but, even then, onset is slow. The underlying cause of schizophrenia is unclear. A combination of inherited susceptibility coupled with psychological stresses in the immediate environment or experienced in childhood is suspected.

Chemical imbalances in the brain cause abnormal histamine levels for many schizophrenics. Heavy-metal poisoning will also cause schizophrenic disturbances. Allergies to milk, sugar and gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, can play a role in schizophrenia, as can prenatal nutritional deficiencies. A deficiency in the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid could be a basic underlying cause of major mental illness.

Nutrition

Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil is the best dietary source of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. Use it daily on salads and baked potatoes, mixed into quark and added to pasta, rice and vegetable dishes after cooking. In the body, this fatty acid is converted with the help of niacin and other B vitamins to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which regulate neurocircuits in the body. These prostaglandins also regulate histamine levels, which are often unusually high or low in schizophrenics.

Eat whole grains and green, leafy vegetables for B vitamins, which support mental function. Food allergies, especially to milk, wheat and sugar, can cause or worsen schizophrenia. Carrot and cabbage juice are excellent sources of glutamine, a fuel for the brain cells which stimulates many functions, including mental alertness and intelligence, and soothes erratic behavior. Schizophrenia symptoms are worsened by a high saturated fat diet, caffeine and tobacco smoke.

Nutritional Supplements

Many cases of schizophrenia are linked to nutritional deficiencies, which cause or aggravate symptoms. Usually deficient are the B vitamins folic acid, B6 and niacin, as well as vitamin C, manganese, zinc and the essential fatty acids. Copper levels should be checked as they are usually elevated, though they can also be low. Many schizophrenics are also helped by high dose supplementation with vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, selenium, magnesium, lecithin, choline and serine.

Vitamin C should be taken continually for optimal results. This vitamin is useful since it reduces anxiety. The bioflavonoid quercetin is also recommended, as it improves the use of vitamin C by the body. gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid available in evening primrose oil, is often lacking in schizophrenics, causing nervous system problems. B vitamins, which support nervous system functions, including emotional stability, are required. Niacin is the main nutrient used to treat schizophrenia.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily

Niacin, 3,000 mg (For more information on
non-flushing niacin, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements.)

Helpful

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU

Selenium, 100 mcg

Magnesium, 500 mg

Zinc, 15 mg, with 3 mg copper

Phosphatidylcholine, 6 capsules

Phosphatidylserine, 6 capsules

Herbal Remedies

Herbs can cleanse and strengthen the kidneys; a malfunctioning kidney could be the cause of this condition. Purifying the blood and calming the nerves also help relieve symptoms.

Many schizophrenics are helped by ginkgo biloba which increases blood supply and oxygen levels to the brain. Take 3 cups of ginkgo biloba tea daily.

Take 1 tbsp. of St. John’s wort juice three times daily to calm nerves.

A lobelia and mullein combination tea works to cleanse the blood. Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tsp. of herbs; steep, strain and drink three times daily.

Homeopathy

Due to the complex nature of this condition, treatment from an experienced, psychiatrically-trained homeopath is recommended. Below is a sample of the many prescribed remedies for acute situations. Give the 6c strength every hour for up to ten doses while waiting for professional help.

Use Lachesis for paranoia that is worse after sleep and first thing in the morning. Depression, throat constriction and the desire to not wear clothes are present.

Belladonna is used for a delirious person with a red face and wild, staring eyes.

Consider Stramonium for a violent, talkative, overactive person who swears or prays, hears and talks to voices, and dislikes darkness.

Tissue Salts

For relief with tissue salt remedies, see appropriate causes and symptoms such as allergies, depression, grief and toxic metal poisoning.

External/Physical Therapies

External treatment is not applicable for schizophrenia.

Other Suggestions

ELISA/ACT food allergy test and heavy-metal poisoning tests will reveal sensitivities which are causing symptoms.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Cool B3 (Klaire Laboratories)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Stress B Formula (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

Ginkgo-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Homeopathy

Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd.)