My son was diagnosed with schizophrenia what.....

Question

....are some natural things he can take or eat along with his meds to help more, I just read what a dr. said online, that potassium wasn't a good thing for schizo.

Answer 1

This site might have some info for you.

http://www.schizophrenia.com

PS - There's a talk board there.  I've never looked at it, but they may have a section for parents/caregivers.  Anyway, it's an extensive website.

Answer 2

Well, as far as medication wise. People with schizophrenia almost always need medication to control their psychotic symptoms. Therefore, it's important to remember that people often need to try several different types of anti-psychotic medications before they find the medication, or combination of medications, that works best for them. Most schizo are already high strung, so staying away from foods that have a lot of sugar can help, although some can't deal with a lot of stimulation. Therefore they need to have on-going treatment to best prescribe what they need to have a better life. The chemical imbalance In the brain of a schizo are not all the same.

GOOD LUCK W/THAT I WORK @ A DAY PROGRAM FOR ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGED KIDS AND ADULTS AND MOST OF THEM ARE SCHIZOPHRENIC. THEY ARE WONDERFUL, AND VERY MUCH BRIGHT PEOPLE, VERY SMART!

Answer 3

An answer to your important question.

Please call with any problem, anytime:

Girls and Boys Town "National Hotline"

Phone: [phone]  (toll free)

Email: [e-mail]

Answer 4

Hi Mary, You might check out these websites:



http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publicati...

http://www.nami.org

http://www.schizophrenia.ca/files/Rays_o...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/schizop...



They have a lot of very good information on schizophrenia.  The first three websites have booklets in pdf format that you can download and save for future reference.



There is also an excellent book, "Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Patients, and Providers" by E. Fuller Torrey, Fifth Edition.  I know Barnes & Noble has it.  Amazon.com only has the 4th edition.  That is very good reading and tells a lot about schizophrenia.  It is a "must have" book.



You might also go to www.healthcentral.com and on the left click on 'schizophrenia', they have forums there, and there is a lot of information there too.  And, you can ask questions - there are a lot of people who are in the same situation, and have been through what you are right now.



I wish you the best of luck :-)

Paul.

Answer 5

Good question.  I would visit a good health food store and ask one of the knowledgeable people.  Or maybe have a visit with a Nutritionist.  He will need to be set on a regular diet - and a licensed Nutritionist might be your key...then ask that person about natural things too

Answer 6

Don't worry too much about any one nutrient, unless his doctor recommends a specific diet for clinical reasons.  

A big problem with schizophrenia meds is weight gain, so make sure that he is eating a reasonable amount of healthy foods.  Keep in mind that weight gain can lead to diabetes, which can be extremely difficult to manage in conjunction with schizophrenia.

Another thing to watch out for is water intake.  Anti-psychotics give many patients a very dry mouth, which leads to excessive water consumption.  A rare effect of this is for the patient to drink so much water that there is a deficiency in sodium, and can lead to discomfort, illness, and in rare cases death.  Of course, moderate water intake is a good thing, so don't panic unless he starts drinking liters and liters per day.

The most important things to help him with his illness (in addition to therapy and meds) are knowledge about his symptoms/prognosis, and people who support him.  It is a really tough disorder, but it can be managed.  Good luck!

Answer 7

Everyone needs potassium.  Our brains function on it.  I see how too much of anything would be bad including potassium, but our nervous system needs potassium in order to function and also a lack of it can also cuase problems.

Answer 8

Schizophenia can be cured, just the same as most of the so-called "incurable" medical conditions.

http://www.4optimallife.com/Alternative-...

peacefromken.