Comment by ChrisMarshallNY
3 days ago
Thanks for sharing that, Robert, and good luck!
I have close family with schizoaffective disorder, which is very close to schizophrenia, and have a couple of acquaintances with schizophrenia.
One of them is a chap that has chosen to take the “John Forbes Nash Jr” approach, and eschew medication. In his case, it has been effective. He’s a bit odd, to talk to, but otherwise, does fine. He's married, with a couple of beautiful kids, and has a good career.
I do find it annoying, though, that he pressures others to do the same. My family member desperately needs their meds, and can’t function, without. I think it has to do with how the condition manifests.
Another acquaintance also desperately needs their meds. A few years ago, they spent a few months, where they tried going off them, carefully, and assisted by doctors, personal research, discipline, diet, and exercise. Also, they had our full support (friends and family). We all wanted it to work.
It didn’t work. We watched them slowly disintegrate, until they damn near committed suicide, and were forced to go back.
Each case is different, but they hold in common, a total devastation of normal life.
I appreciate you sharing.
My understanding is schizoaffective disorder is one of four categories of schizophrenia. I think people often use them interchangeably.
Medication can be tricky because when it works it seems increasingly unnecessary and often has side effects of its own.
I hope no one reads my book as a substitute or prescription to avoid medication on their path. To each their own, but it's not what I'm advocating for.
Thank you again!