BACKGROUND
Schizophrenia refers to a group of biochemical diseases which can affect a person physically, mentally and emotionally. Schizophrenia can change the way a person hears, sees, tastes, thinks and feels. Some studies have shown that the predisposition to schizophrenia is inherited. It affects one to three percent of the population, striking mainly young people in all walks of life.
According to research by Dr. Abram Hoffer published in How To Live With Schizophrenia, schizophrenia is caused by imbalances in body chemistry. The same research shows that many persons with schizophrenia have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and allergies. The most common food allergies found in individuals with schizophrenia are sugars, dairy products and wheat.
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
An orthomolecular approach to treating schizophrenia looks at a person's individual biochemistry, nutrient deficiency, and diet, as well as allergies and toxins. According to Dr. Hoffer, a psychiatrist with a lifetime of work and practice in the field of mental health, orthomolecular treatment is effective in 80 per cent or more of schizophrenia patients and is the best treatment developed so far. It is also less expensive, and far safer, than drug therapy.
Often an orthomolecular practitioner will prescribe a special diet along with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B3 in accordance with the individual needs of the patient.
Orthomolecular treatment of schizophrenia could include the use of the following supplements:
Calcium
Essential Fatty Acids
Magnesium
Selenium
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 Niacin
Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin D
Zinc
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
DeLiz, Antonio. "Administration of Massive Doses of Vitamin E to Diabetic Schizophrenic Patients." Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry. 4.1(1975)
Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Hoffer A & Osmond H: How To Live With Schizophrenia. University Books, New York, NY,1966. Also published by Johnson, London, 1966. Written by Fannie Kahan.New and Revised Ed. Citadel Press, New York, NY, 1992.
Hoffer A: Chronic schizophrenic patients treated ten years or more. J.Orthomolecular Medicine, 9:7-37,1994.
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007