Alternatives+to+Pharmacological+Treatments+for+Schizophrenia


 * __ Abram Hoffer and OrthoMolecular Therapy __**

One of the few alternatives to pharmacotherapy for the treatment in schizophrenia is that of Orthomolecular therapy. Orthomolecular therapy looks at treating schizophrenia by varying the concentrations of substances and chemicals that already exist in the human body. Proponents of this therapy say that the disease is caused by molecular imbalances and that by administering the right dose of nutrients at the right time will effectively treat the disease. (Hoffer, 1972)

Orthomolecular therapy dates back to the early 1950's and has been used in the treatment of many diseases, but still to this day is not well respected by the broader medical community. Abram Hoffer was one of the leaders in pioneering this type of treatment for people suffering with schizophrenia. He had discovered that mega doses of vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid/niacin) not only effectively lower cholesterol levels but was also therapeutic in the treatment of schizophrenia. Research studies by done by Hoffer suggest that schizophrenia is caused by imbalances in body chemistry. (Barrett, 2000)

"An Orthomolecular approach to treating schizophrenia looks at a person's individual biochemistry, nutrient deficiency, and diet, as well as allergies and toxins." (Orthomolecular health, 2007). A patient who chooses to undergo this type of treatment would be prescribed a special diet and would be given vitamins and minerals including B3 to meet the needs of the individual client. Some of the supplements which may be used in treating schizophrenia depending on the client may be calcium, magnesium, selenium, and essential fatty acids. Hoffer says  "O rthomolecular 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." (Orthomolecular Health 2007)

Although Hoffer and his co-workers did several studies showing the positive effects of treating schizophrenia with Orthomolecular therapy, he was never able to convince the overwhelming majority of the medical community on the benefits of Orthomolecular therapy over the ever popular pharmacotherapies for the treatment of schizophrenia. The many proponents of this type of treatment strongly believe that it works and say that it is a safe effective treatment with incredible benefits and cost savings. (Barrett, 2000) media type="youtube" key="X9cg4454mYA" height="315" width="420"