An alternative support to the medical model of medication for long-term schizophrenia

Abstract

This article is concerned with debates around schizophrenia. Some historical background to schizophrenia is also outlined. The theory is that alternative support, like long-term clinical hypnotherapy and long-term CBT plus psychotherapy and counselling, is effective in helping some schizophrenics to reduce their medications to improve their qualityof life. The main biographical source is a book by Rosalind Hewitt entitled ‘Moving On:A guide to good health and recovery for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia’(Karnac Books, January, 2007). The other inspiration was an article in ‘The Psychologist’, September, 2005, called ‘The NHS has got it wrong’. The analysis criteria is my evidence medically of my lifetime recovery in terms of my qualityof life with my long-standing schizophrenia for over 26 years. I have discovered these alternative therapies personally and I now report a temporary improvement in my condition.The conclusion is that the alternative therapies experience is at least effective in reducing my medication for schizophrenia to the international minimum recommended dosage level by the Medical Model and sofor me is an effective support mechanism to the Medical Model. Currently I am trying a medication dosage below any recommended minimum dosage levels but I am still in a stage of transition; the results are not finalised at this point in time.The key phrases are that long-term clinical hypnotherapy, long-term CBT, long-term counselling and long-term psychotherapy – in combination – have never been medically documented before; this is a first international clinical trial of its kind