We help clients with First-Episode Schizophrenia
There is hope. Despite poor long term outcome with conventional neuroleptic drugs there is a viable treatment option.
The Orthomolecular Treatment Option
Orthomolecular treatment is the cornerstone nutritional therapy for first-episode schizophrenia or first-episode psychosis. It supports the body systems that have weakened when psychosis is occurring.
What is orthomolecular medicine? On the orthomolecular medicine online website we read:
“Orthomolecular medicine as conceptualized by double-Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, aims to restore the optimum environment of the body by correcting imbalances or deficiencies based on individual biochemistry, using substances natural to the body such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements and fatty acids… The key idea in orthomolecular medicine is that genetic factors affect not only the physical characteristics of individuals, but also to their biochemical milieu. Biochemical pathways of the body have significant genetic variability and diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, schizophrenia or depression are associated with specific biochemical abnormalities which are causal or contributing factors of the illness. “
What 6 double blind clinical trials tell us about orthomolecular treatment in first-episode schizophrenia
These 6 studies show profound effectiveness using niacin therapy in schizophrenia. What was later determined by orthomolecular researchers was that the good responders were those that were less chronic and hadn’t been on neuroleptic medication. This is described well in my review article on schizophrenia.
What my clinical experience tells us
My clinical experience with niacin therapy and additional orthomolecular treatments for first-episode schizophrenia tell me that response can be moderate to profound in about half of the cases we see. Early in the course of schizophrenia, brain tissue is healthier and more receptive to nutrient intervention.
Chronic neurolepotic medicated cases still respond with targeted orthomolecular treatment, but further response is dependent on maintaining the lowest effective dose of neuroleptic. This is explained in my 2005 optimal dosing article.
I hope this has been helpful. If you have any further inquiries on first-episode treatment for schizophrenia please call our clinic.