Recovery
Managing Schizophrenia

The latest educational presentation offered by DeKalb CSB and sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals was the best yet. Dr. Bona introduced Dr. Richard Petty, author of numerous works, including his latest book, “Healing, Meaning and Purpose.”  He got his MD in London, worked and taught for 13 years in Philadelphia and added a PhD in Endocrinology to his titles.
Dr. Petty is very optimistic about the future. Scientific knowledge is now doubling exponentially every two years. There are 17 new drugs for schizophrenia in the pipeline. Of course, only a few will survive the rigorous FDA testing.
Dr. Petty believes schizophrenia is a product of the industrial age and that some people are not resistant to stress. He said he could make any person psychotic in a week by use of constant stress. A brain injury can cause psychosis and the person thereafter suffers from schizophrenia. The reason why people are given different diagnoses at different times is because bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are interlinked.
Recovery involves a different mindset from the past. Before, the doctor told you what to do and you had to follow his instructions. Now, the professional comes to an agreement with the person on what he/she really wants and develops a treatment plan. Everyone in life needs goals. The Recovery process is not a “cure”; it is an on-going process of achievement. It involves satisfying work, supportive education, social skills, spirituality, and physical health.
Work! This is essential for this new way of treatment called Recovery. Dr. Petty says 90% of his patients are working! Having a job gives you money, respect, motivation, independence, and protects you from becoming ill again. Before, scientists said when you reach adulthood, that’s all you’ll have for the rest of your life and the brain would gradually shrink up until you die. Now, they have found out that you make new brain cells throughout your life. After being in a work environment, brains of patients started to “light up” on MRIs, where there was little activity before. After a hospitalization, one should allow 6 months for recovery. He compares this to the tsunami after-shocks, which are still going on today.
Alcohol and street drugs destroy lives. The mentally ill are extra vulnerable to these poisons. They damage your ability to reason. Medication is the first hurdle to find what works best without too many side effects. In the United Kingdom, 38% of patients receive injections, which eliminates the problem of forgetfulness.
Through psychosocial therapy, one can achieve stability. Tai Chi and other relaxation techniques help. Barriers to recovery should be identified. Everyone benefits by giving someone a hand. Some get enormous help from their place of worship.
There is HOPE. We understand more now. We have more options for treatment. For each person we must find his or her stressor with the ultimate goal of finding, suitable employment.
JP