You might want to have your homocysteine level checked. In addition to cardiovascular disease, elevated homocysteine is also associated with schizophrenia and other neurological disorders (e.g. depression, autism, Alzheimers, etc.) For example:
Plasma homocysteine, folate and B12 in chronic schizophrenia
http://www.sciencedi...278584607001844
I wasn't aware of that, thanks for telling me! I'll be sure to look it up.
I get regular (about once per year) urine and blood tests. Everything always comes out okay. No complains from my family doctor.
Various supplements have proven effective at bringing down homocysteine levels, in particular folinic acid (probably better to avoid folic acid), B-12, TMG (trimethlyglycine), and B6. These nutrients play key roles in three metabolic reactions that recycle or process homocysteine.
I used to take Super B Complex (Nature's Bounty) with Folic Acid plus Vitamin C and Biotin for a few weeks. I didn't really notice a difference.
Anyway, everyday I prepare myself a large bowl of fruits and vegetables, so I don't think I need extra vitamins and minerals. However, I do take a vitamin D supplement because I don't get much sun anymore.
You know... Omega 3 Fish Oil might actually be of some help to you. I came across this today while reading up on it myself:
Quote
A study from the Orygen Research Centre in Melbourne suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could also help delay or prevent the onset of schizophrenia. The researchers enlisted 81 'high risk' young people aged 13 to 24 who had previously suffered brief hallucinations or delusions and gave half of them capsules of fish oil while the other half received fish-tasting dummy substitute. One year on, only three percent of those on fish oil had developed schizophrenia compared to 28 percent from those on the substitute. A study conducted at Sheffield University in England reported positive results with fish oil on patients suffering from schizophrenia. Dr. Malcolm Peet, Professor of Psychiatry at Sheffield University organized the study and followed the progress of the participants. Participants of the study were previously taking anti-psychotic prescription drugs but after some time were no longer effective on patients. After taking fish oil supplements, participants in the study experienced progress compared to others who were given a placebo.
However, the largest controlled study to date found no cognitive benefit after two years in the elderly.
http://en.wikipedia....l#Mental_health
I used to take Fish Oil but didn't notice any perceivable benefits (I was only on it for about a month, though). I still have some left but I'm saving it for when I get some Piracetam. I've read somewhere that it's good to use these two together.
try gluten-free diet for a month (google "gluten schizophrenia" for more info)
I've heard about this but I've never tried it. Thanks for reminding me!
It might help if you posted your medications. But in general schizophrenia medications tend to be the opposite of smart drugs. They heavily suppress many of the neurotransmitters that nootropic users are seeking to raise such as dopamine and the cholinergic system.
I take 25 mg of Olanzapine (also known as Zyprexa). They prescirbe this dose up to 30 mg. I've also been on Risperdal, Seroquel and Geodon. I've been on meds for almost 3 years now. I'd like to be off them but they say this isn't possible without becoming psychotic again.
Chinese medicine (herbs and acupuncture) can be used on mental illness. You would want to find a good acupuncturist. I wrote a thread on that you could look for. You would not want to smoke cigarettes, take recreational drugs, consume too much sugar, sodas caffeine or junk food. Eat fruits and veggies, and take care of yourself.
My mum did mention a few times how her friend's son (who also has some type of mental disorder) has been helped by Chinese medicine. I'll do some research on this topic and I'll be sure to ask my pdoc about it, so thanks to you, too, Luminosity!
The difficulties you mentioned could be caused by your medications but I hesitate to even say that because of what could happen if you stop taking them. If you can find good magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements, those can help support your nervous system, as well as a general B vitamin supplement. If you don't get much sun and are deficient in vitamin D, a good supplement would help you feel better. Source Naturals is a good one.
I did go off my meds a few months ago but had to go back on after 3-4 weeks. It was like a reawakening of the senses at first but then it became too much to handle. I guess you could say I became psychotic.
Your post seems very lucid and intelligent.
Good luck.
Thank you very much! I'm pretty stable on my meds.
What's it like having schizophrenia? Do you see illusions and other things that are not real? Do you hold beliefs that are contrary to reality? It doesn't really make sense to me how a person could be like that.
How a person can be like what exactly? Schizophrenic? It's a brain illness, basically. Anyone can get sick. Sometimes it's torture and like being in a nightmare. But I'm human just like you and we can get used to just about anything.
It's not all bad. I suppose it does have its perks.
milk thistle can help against liver damage induced by antipsychotic medication.
Thanks!
You've all given me a lot to think about and do research on. I've written a lot of it down and I also plan on discussing it with my psychiatrist. So thanks for that. I'll be around for any further information. I should be getting my nootropics in a 2-3 weeks, so, if you like, I'll keep you posted on its effects etc.
