FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions for alt.support.schizophrenia Usenet newsgroup.

alt.support.schizophrenia Frequently Asked Questions.

Version: release 3.3 beta

Document History:

Contributions:

0.0 Introduction

This FAQ aims to serve two primary purposes.

i) To point people at resources connected with the illness.

In this respect, the document should not be considered authoritative. It is simply a list of the resources the residents of the newsgroup have come across which have been found helpful. Further contributions are welcomed and greatly in need particularly for the USA treatment sections.

The relevant sections for readers whom are simply looking for these pointers are prefixed with 1.X. All information is provided on a best efforts basis.

ii) To serve as an introduction to the alt.support.schizophrenia newsgroup.

In this respect, the document reflects the voiced opinions of those whom frequent the newsgroup. Your attention is drawn in particular to those sections prefixed 2.1.

These sections relate to the RULES OF THE ROAD for the newsgroup. Some of the information in the later parts of each section is a little technical.

The first paragraph of each section details the RULE. It is *not* optional and can result in problems for others if you do not adhere to the RULE.

You need not concern yourself with the technical information in the later paragraphs of each section if you are not interested. They reflect the WHY for the first paragraph.

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1.0 What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is currently thought to be a brain disease or neuro biological disorder (NBD) characterised by delusions, hallucinations and disorganised thought processes. The term "disorder" should be noted. There is heated debate on the newsgroup and elsewhere about the nature of that disorder.

In the recent past, it has been considered a resulting problem from the psychosocial development of the individual during early childhood and adolescence. This is not currently held to be true by the mainstream of the psychiatric progression in Europe, North America, or Australia.

What it is *not* is the "split-personality" cliché popular in western culture.

There are many currently held theories on what *exactly* schizophrenia is caused by and what it is but currently the jury is still out.

1.1 I have just been diagnosed with Schizophrenia and I am a little freaked out, what should I do?

1. Don't Panic.

2. Your best course of action at this point is probably to listen to your therapist. If he or she prescribes you medication, it would be wise at this stage to take the medication as prescribed and continue to do so until you are stable enough to make your own decisions regarding this touchy issue.

3. Don't give up. There have been reported cases in which persons diagnosed with schizophrenia have recovered over time. Regardless, God loves you no matter what you may think right now. Courage is not necessarily bravado; sometimes it is a crawl.

1.2 What are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

The Symptoms of Schizophrenia include Positive, Negative, Cognitive, and Mood Symptoms.

1.2.1 Positive Symptoms

Here's a few added features, hearing voices that can't be understood to be from ones own mind, strange postures of limbs, fears and anxieties that seem out of proportion, wild thinking, and even depression.

Ask or just browse the newsgroup. People usually know a positive symptom when they post so these can be clearly identified in posts. Best advice is to read the newsgroup, psychology textbooks, the self-help books, and ask all the professionals you can afford to ask.

1.2.2 Negative Symptoms

Most likely could be loss of motivation, which can be caused by lack of reward and frustrating situations, lack of hygiene, lack of coherent speech, missing emotional response. Many more, and again surf the newsgroup a bit to learn about negative symptoms people will usually identify their symptoms as such.

1.2.3 Cognitive Symptoms

A person with Schizophrenia will have disturbed thought processes having an effect on memory, concentration, decision-making, and new learning. The person with schizophrenia may present themselves as incoherent or having illogical reasoning.

1.2.4 Mood Symptoms

He or she may experience depression, have a lack of insight, live in demoralization, and may question the value of their life.

1.3 What treatments are available for Schizophrenia?

Treatments for Schizophrenia include Medication, Rehabilitation, Psycho Education, and Empowerment and Recovery Training

1.3.1 Medication

The older Typical Antipsychotics have stopped being prescribed in favour of the newer Atypical Antipsychotics including: Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Clozapine (Clozaril), Quetiapine (Seroquel), and other newer medications.

1.3.2 Psychosocial Rehabilitation

This is where the support workers are involved. Proctors, Community Mental Health Workers, and Residential Care Workers help persons with schizophrenia relearn social and personal skills.

1.3.3 Psycho Education

Educating family and friends reinforces the importance of minimising the impact of a potential relapse.

1.3.4 Empowerment and Recovery Training

The mental health consumer learns skills that help them live with their mental illness and recover a quality of life.

1.4 How can a person with Schizophrenia cope?

There are solutions! One is to aid focusing on the here and now with medication, or coaching therapy. Many practical solutions are simple folklore or rather medical folklore solutions. In other words, these solutions do not work for everyone. A healthy lifestyle is recommended for all.

On the newsgroup, one reads problems or individual solutions. Symptoms listed, in the DSM a psychiatric area long list of complains. Not everyone labelled Schizophrenic will have the same set of symptoms. Many problems that are experienced can be re-learned and understood by the sufferer such as cleaning clothes or paying bills. Good food and extra vitamins when affordable help a great deal.

Drug therapy promises a lot here but actually good psychotherapy on top of drug therapy is probably the best way to over come apathy and depression. Coaching in life skills such as, cleaning clothes, grooming, sobriety, and responsible drinking can help a lot, with reducing negative symptoms.

1.4.1 Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, or are unsure of how you are doing coping with medications, let your team of Health Professionals know. Writing things down in a Journal is very helpful.

1.4.2 Weight Gain

If you want to use the Body Mass Index formula:

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Weight in Kilograms (WT)
Height in Meters (HT)

BMI=WT/(HT)^2

A BMI of 18.7 is acceptable for women, 20 for men. Anything over 25, the risk of health problems increases. Over 27.3 for Women and 27.8 for Men is considered overweight. This formula does not take into count getting very muscular. I think if you are in the 18.7 to 25 BMI range, you should not worry about your weight too much.

The Waist-to-Hip Ratio:

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

WHR=Waist/Hips

A result of less than 0.8 for Women and less than 0.95 for Men is lowest risk.

Note: The formulas are found in the Book The Complete Book of Butt and Legs by Kurt, Mike, and Brett Brungardt.

1.4.3 Sleeping more

The anti-psychotic drugs act as tranquilizers. Many find problems waking up in the morning. One solution is to schedule appointments for afternoons. Often problems with caffeine will prevent getting to sleep on time. Quiet evenings are best and allow for early mornings. Of course, early morning awakening happen too with depression. Who doesn't get some depression with having a major illness?

1.5 Are there Alternative Treatments for Schizophrenia available?

The author has only heard of Chinese medical solutions to schizophrenia in the alternative health category. I have not heard any tales of success or failure with this treatment.

1.5.1 Extra non-prescription Medications

The addition of fish oils found in salmon, tuna and mackerel fishes namely omega-3 fatty acids as been tried by many people. As well, the use of vitamins C and Niacin by this author at 3 g per day seems to help.

1.5.2 Exercise

Getting enough rest and exercising regularly are always helpful. Especially considering the depression that comes with any major illness exercise and exercise therapy can be a great help in keeping the spirits up.

1.6 What Information Resources are available?

There is Medication Resources and Resources by Location out there.

1.6.1 Medication Resources

I suggest doing an Internet search using the Name of the Drug of interested. Societies and Associations are also good resources.

1.6.2 Resources by Location

The following is a list of resources by Location.

1.6.2.1 In the United Kingdom

Treatment is available under the NHS. Register with a GP and arrange to have a referral to a Mental Health unit appropriate to your area.

Your local NHS trust will have information available on support groups and activities for mental health service clients available upon request In addition; there are several mental health and schizophrenia specific organisations in the UK. Check a local telephone directory for offices and helpline numbers appropriate to where you live.

MIND - National Mental Health Charity For careers and sufferers
URL: http://www.mind.org.uk/ Tel (lo call) 0345 660 163

SCHIZOPHRENIA FELLOWSHIP - Schizophrenia Specific Society with Scottish, English and Irish regional societies
URL: http://www.nsf.org.uk/

SANE - A more "patient centric" Mental Health Charity

The Samaritans - Not mental health specific but a voice in the night when all else fails.

1.6.2.2 In the United States

One group in the US is based on the anonymous self-help model such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Overeaters Anonymous. Known as Schizophrenics Anonymous information about this group can be found at this web site http://www.mha-mi.org/sa/. Schizophrenics Anonymous uses a six-step model to bring hope and healing to its members.

In the US, there is an organization, NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), which might be able to give you personal support & advice. Although NAMI also has mental patients as members, it is mainly a volunteer organization of close relatives of patients with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. NAMI is made up of local chapters & state organizations & a national organization. If you want to contact NAMI, the best approach is to phone the national organization at 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264) & ask them to refer you to your nearest local chapter or to some experienced member near you.

If you are having problems with your relative, it is likely that some NAMI member has already experienced the same problem & can tell you what worked & what did not. NAMI might also give you a sense that you are not alone with your problem. As far as I know, there is no charge for this help, although if you decide to become a member of NAMI, there are membership dues.

NAMI also distributes informative pamphlets, conducts regular classes & meetings, & does political lobbying for legislation to help the mentally ill.

If you are a regular reader of alt.support.schizophrenia, you might have noticed that there is controversy here about NAMI & its policies & its influential members. I think the difference of opinion results mainly from the difference in viewpoint between a parent watching a son or daughter seeming to deteriorate mentally and the patient himself. They are likely to have quite different attitudes toward psychiatric treatments. Anyone who considers joining NAMI will have to make a decision about this difference. www.nami.org

1.6.2.3 In Canada

Help is available from Provincial Health Plans. Psychiatrists exist in abundance in the populated south parts of Canada. More Northern and other isolated areas have difficulties. The Canadian Mental Health Association has further information for families or communities. There is an organisation called the Schizophrenia Society of Canada formed by parents of sufferers, which fundraises for research and can provide information.

Schizophrenia Society
URL: http://www.schizophrenia.ca/

Government, or private insurance arrange drug plans, as well, support therapy can be received from a good psychiatric hospital, a psychologist, a Clubhouse, or by private means.

Other supports come from traditional sources like the YMCA/YWCA, the Salvation Army, local food banks, and an ever-growing network of patients groups that involved in the last few decades using everything from RAP groups and arts and crafts, to friendship and education, to networking and advocacy.

1.6.2.4 In Australia

In the White Pages for each area, there is a page with numbers for the Community Mental Health Teams. There are Community Mental Health Teams in all Regional Centres. This is provided by the state and is free.

To see a psychiatrist you need a referral from a GP. Only Medicare covers a certain amount of what a psychiatrist charges unless you have a psychiatrist who bulk bills Medicare. You cannot claim the difference through private health insurance unless the psychiatrist is treating you as an in-patient in hospital.

Medicare covers stays in Public Hospitals; however, you cannot choose your psychiatrist unless you are a private patient. Private insurance will cover some private psychiatric costs though, as usual, you should contact your insurer for specifics.

Assn of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (24hr info and referral line 1800 655 198)

Mental Health Info Service
(NSW) Sydney (02)9816-5688
Country FREECALL 1800 674 200

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2.0 Netiquette and Usenet Privacy

What is alt.support.schizophrenia all about then? alt.support.schizophrenia (a.s.s) is a USENET newsgroup for the support of those diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, their family, friends, caregivers, and others with an interest in schizophrenia.

If you are unsure about USENET Newsgroups, you can find out more about them at URL: http://library.albany.edu/internet/internet.html

a.s.s. is a rather unusual newsgroup to say the least. At times, this Newsgroup can seem very hostile to those whom are of a quiet disposition. In the recent past, there have been serious flames between certain Individuals on the newsgroup. Generally, most people are simply here to help each other out, chat, discuss life as seen by schizophrenia sufferers, their family, loved one, and friends, or discuss treatments for the illness and share our experiences of this debilitating illness. In general, if you post an opinion, theory, or question be prepared to have some responses that do not agree with you. It may appear intimidating but a great deal of traffic actually goes on outside the group in e-mail, leading the casual browser to feel ignored or picked upon.

Do not let the surface appearance fool you. Ask your question and you may well find that the many "lurkers" out there start to talk to you by e-mail. Keep in mind that a large proportion of those reading the group suffer from a NBD.

The different people whom contribute to this Newsgroup hold many “bizarre” opinions. While it is generally acceptable to hold any opinion on any subject, many of the inhabitants frown upon forcing an opinion on others. Expect that with any voice of opinion, readers and contributors may hold the alternative opinion. The keyword here is variety. It would appear that the opinions and beliefs of people with Schizophrenia are varied and multi faceted :)

Do not *ever* lose your sense of humour.

2.1 Netiquette

There are general beliefs about Netiquette on the USENET and in private e-mail. Most of these are simple good manners but some are specifically important to users of the ASS news group.

2.1.1 Usenet FAQ

http://www.faqs.org/usenet/

2.1.2 How to Post

Great! Another sucker . . . ooops fellow poster :)

Well you just write what you want to say and send it to Usenet!

If you are new to Usenet a guide is available at URL: http://www.faqs.org/usenet/

2.1.3 Is alt.support.schizophrenia moderated?

No.

2.1.4 X-No-Archive Policy

In follow up to posts which contain the line:

X-No-Archive: yes

You MUST include this line as the first line of your follow up posting. You should do this even if your mailer supports the "no-archive" header!

Even where you do not quote a single line of the original post you must put this line in your reply to ensure that subsequent replies to YOUR post are aware that the initiator of the thread did not want anything they said archived on USENET archives like Google or in the past dejanews.

Should you feel that your posting has literary merit that merits archiving for posterity, you should create a new thread. (Use the New Posting Option on most newsreaders.) Conversely, if you are replying to a post without the No-Archive directive you should create a new thread or be prepared to have someone inadvertently mention something that you said. If everyone follows the rules, we should have threading where everyone’s requests are met.

As an aside, the author does not think that people concerned about privacy issues should be using this directive for privacy issues. All of the archive owners will sell archives that do not reflect the no-archive requests. If you need anonymity then BE ANONYMOUS. See section How to post Anonymously.

2.1.5 Are there guidelines on what can be posted?

Anything related to schizophrenia, the treatment of, the experience of, theories on causes of, belief systems of schizophrenics, religious beliefs of schizophrenics. You get the picture. If it is remotely related it is probably acceptable. However, many of the inhabitants frown upon cross posting which generally just generates posts that have nothing to do with Schizophrenia.

2.1.6 Spoiler Guidelines and Labelling Content

There are things you can do to make everyone's Usenet experience better

2.1.6.1 Spoiler Guidelines

If the first line of any post is a possible trigger for a sufferer, it should have the subject matter clearly labelled. If you use the X-No-Archive setting, this spoiler can go to line two.

Follow-ups to Spoiler posts should retain the spoiler subject and the white space even where they do not directly talk about the spoiler subject directly.

Where the post might cause distress to someone whom is borderline psychotic, 26 blank lines to allow persons should follow the subject spoiler, using a newsreader that does not allow them to view a subject only, to skip past the postings that they believe might be detrimental to them.

2.1.6.2 Contents Labelling Guidelines

It is suggested that you label the Subject header of the post.

Examples:

*CHRISTIAN* *MUSLIM* *DEMON* *ALTERNATIVE HEALTH* *RANT* *POLITICAL* *CAREGIVER HELP* *SUFFERER HELP* ... you get the idea!

If you cannot summarise in one or two words the content of your post then it would probably be better spread across a couple of posts. Anything contentious should be labelled as what it is.

2.1.7 Content of Private E-mail

Anything said in private E-Mail should be kept private. Private e-mail does not confer the right to enter the said information into the public domain. (Public posting) Permission to quote a private e-mail should *ALWAYS* be sought before posting the words of someone else.

2.1.8 Right to Anonymity

Where you have access to the identity of a poster whom is using a pseudo nom or anonymous Remailer, please respect that person’s right to privacy. Use their pseudo nom in all public domain activities and reserve their identity for private correspondence.

2.2 Usenet Privacy

This Section is an attempt to let you know what measures are available to protect your privacy if you see fit.

2.2.1 X-No-Archive

X-No-Archive can be a useful tool, but it generally is not perfect.

2.2.2 Delete from Google Archive

Yes, you can delete your own articles from the Google Archive. Read the following help article paying particular attention to #13:

http://www.google.com/googlegroups/help.html

2.2.3 alt.support.schizophrenia is not moderated

The fact that alt.support.schizophrenia is not moderated, for some, is what makes it good. However, there are always new moderated forums starting up all the time and you can always try them out when the sometimes-extreme nature of this Newsgroup gets to you. You may find someone else that has used alt.support.schizophrenia there.

2.2.4 Newsreaders with Filters

One privacy method is to use the Blocking or Scoring feature of your Newsreader. Xnews a Newsreader for Windows has a very good customisable score file the SLRN Newsreader for UNIX based Operating Systems is comparable.

2.2.5 Disguising E-mail Addresses

In an attempt to avoid Spam generated by programs that search for e-mail addresses, you can set up your e-mail account so it *masks* your identity. This method is just experimental.

An Example:

marilyn.monroe@nospam.popcornlovers.com used with the following message in the signature of the Post.

--
Marylyn Monroe

Remove “nospam.” to get e-mail address.

2.2.6 How to post Anonymously

By nature, the Usenet is a public place suited for sharing information with people across great distances. An individual may have reasons to hide their real identity. The following methods are not perfect for concealing a person’s identity and there may be added issues with each newsreader and internet service provider.

Here is a list of Links about some of the resources out there, leaving out some messy ones.

http://quicksilver.skuz.net/
http://www.skuz.net/Thanatop/contents.htm
http://www.stack.nl/~galactus/remailers/index-anon.html
http://www.frogadmin.yi.org/
http://lexx.shinn.net/nym/
http://www.gilc.org/speech/anonymous/remailer.html
http://www.stack.nl/~galactus/remailers/nym.html
http://riot.eu.org/anon/main.html.en
http://riot.eu.org/anon/doc/nym.html
http://www.bananasplit.info/echolot/from.html
http://www.bananasplit.info/

2.2.6.1 Using an Anonymous Remailer

An Anonymous Remailer will go through the process of removing the headers of an e-mail sent to it and send it to a destination anonymously. One Remailer that will post to a Newsgroup at this time is mixmaster@tatooine.homelinux.net, but this is not the place to keep an up-to-date list. The following is a short description of the formatting process.

Before encryption:

::
Anon-Post-To: alt.support.schizophrenia
Latent-time: +0:00

##
Subject: Enter Subject here.
References: <Enter Reference here or remove.>
X-No-Archive: yes

<Enter Body Text Here>

After encryption:

::
Encrypted: PGP

-----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----
Version: PGP 8.0.2 - not licensed for commercial use: www.pgp.com

<Encrypted Information>
-----END PGP MESSAGE-----

To find out more about PGP and Encryption try the Newsgroup alt.security.pgp.

2.2.6.2 Creating a Nym

Creating a Nym makes it possible to receive e-mail from a pseudonymous ID on a Server. The process for creating a Nym is beyond the scope of this FAQ. A Newsgroup you could check out to find out more on this subject, Anonymous Remailers, and PGP is alt.privacy.anon-server.

2.2.7 Can I stop my posting from being available on Google?

The simple answer is YES. Just put the following line as the first line of the body of your post:

X-No-Archive: yes

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3.0 Commonly held misconceptions about schizophrenia.

There are commonly held misconceptions about Schizophrenia

3.1 Schizophrenia sufferers

Have multiple distinct personalities: This is a commonly held misconception however, people suffering from that debilitating illness are now labelled DID. It is often used in literature ranging wrong. From non-fiction to journalism. Speak out when this happens. Let people know they are.

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3.2 Schizophrenia sufferers are the best lovers.

It's TRUE I tell you! Loving between two people with schizophrenia is sometimes best. In modern medicine there is thought to be no difference sexually between those with schizophrenia and those without. Mind you, those with active psychosis may not be approachable for sexual relations. Often men and women will have been through various types of abuse as well as having schizophrenia and may not like to be touched. We all have a right to be loved and yes even reproduce if we choose. This a human right and not as debatable as the civil liberties involved around treatment. Eugenics is an old school theory( In fact supported by fascists in most cases looking for the ideal race) and should be guarded against. If in doubt, please ask a doctor or nurse for some sexual health information. Remember no one is perfect and we are learning all the time.

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4.0 Books Movies Etc With a schizophrenia theme.

For reviews, ask on the group :)
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4.0.1 Books

Title: The Quiet Room: A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness Author: Lori Schiller and Amanda Bennett ISBN 0-446-67133-9

Title: When the Music's Over: My Journey Into Schizophrenia
Author: Ross David Burke
Editors: Dr. Richard Gates and Robin Hammond
ISBN 0-452-27584-9

Title: The Eden Express
Author: Mark Vonnegut
ISBN: ASIN: 0440202051

Title: Surviving Schizophrenia
Author: E. Fuller Torrey
ISBN: 0060950765

Title: The Reality of Schizophrenia
Author: Gwen Howe
ISBN: unknown [anyone else know?]

Title: Coping with Schizophrenia
Author: Jacqueline M Atkinson Ph.D.,
ISBN: ASIN: 0722519907

Title: Abnormal Psychology
Author: Ronald J. Comer
ISBN: 0716730898

Title: DSM-IV
Author: (Not Appropriate) Diagnostic manual for psychiatric professionals.

Title: Coping With Voices: Self Help Strategies for People who Hear
Voices that are Distressing
author: Patricia E. Deegan, Ph.D.
illustrator: Carolyn Affa
distributed by (no ISBN apparently)
The National Empowerment Center
20 Ballard Road
Lawrence, MA 01843 U.S.A.

Title: Schizophrenia - A Fresh Approach
Author: Gwen Howe
ISBN 0715388711
Publisher David and Charles - 1986

Title: Working With Schizophrenia
Author: Gwen Howe
ISBN 185302242X
Publisher Jessica Kingsley - 1995

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4.0.2 MOVIES

Title: One Flew Over the Cuckcoo's Nest
Review: This film brought the terrible conditions of mental hospitals to the public forum. Terrible both in physical condition largely due to tobacco use and emotionally due to the questionable sanity of the staff these wards are no better now than then when, depicted in this movie. The reviewer still wears a black wool sailor's hat in honour of this film.

Title: Angel Baby.
One line review: <submissions eagerly awaited> Sounds depressing and stereotypical though one gathers it's all done in the best possible taste.

Titled: A Beautiful Mind
Review: Ask on-line it was hotly debated on the newsgroup. THE FAQ maintainer considers it a true tear jerker. It is about math and genius but is a hollywood treatment showing delusions as visual.

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5.0 The site is currently hosted at

URL: http://www.ncf.ca/~at571/alt.support.html

The webmaster is Peter Timusk and available at at571@ncf.ca

Contributions of formatted HTML or txt files that are applicable to the content of the site should be sent to Peter and also to the group. As the site is intended to reflect the group, it is simple good manners to allow others to rebut any opinions that are placed on the site. The rule of thumb is "Who cares wins!".

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5.1 The ASS semi-official chat.

Some of the posters and lurkers have been gathering virtually at talkcity.com, in the room called schizophrenia. We meet on Saturday's a 2 PM Mountain Time. There have been some suggestions of meeting to chat at other times. Times of chats are also posted to the newsgroup. This is either a web chat or an IRC chat using the talkcity server.

End of FAQ

Back to the alt.support.schizophrenia home page.

E mail the web master Peter Timusk mailto:at571@ncf.ca