Meta: Thanks for posting this, Spiritualemergency. I, and many others, I am sure are frustrated and overwhelmed by the sheer number of scientific study findings out there and like myself, do not know what has been discredited and what is good science. Lots of studies seem to funded or affiliated in some way by those who stand to profit .
You're most welcome Meta. I found myself wondering too about some of the links between studies and funding -- perhaps there's more research dollars out there if you tag the term "schizophrenia" to your research.
It is interesting to begin gathering up all the "presumed causes" in one place, (I'm certain we can add to that list). Nonetheless, having done so we can begin to break the "presumed" causes down into a few subsets...<blockquote>[*]
Nutritional: Milk; Lack of Sunlight/Vitamin D; Niacin Deficiency; Caffeine; Lack of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; Gluten Intolerance
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Psychosocial: Trauma; Stress; Social Environment; Attempt at Self-Healing; Cultural Memes & Mutations; Double-Bind Theory & The Family; Ego Collapse
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Biomedical: Dopamine Dysfunction; Genetics; Brain Trauma; Blood Type
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Viral / External Cause: Cat Poop; Marijuana; Neuroleptics; Cough Syrup; Qigong
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Psychospiritual: Demon Possession; Shamanic Calling; Ego Death; Kundalini</blockquote>Based on what we each know of our personal histories, we can then begin to identify which subset and therefore, which form of treatment may best aid us in recovering on an individual basis. For instance, in my own case, psychosocial and psychospiritual factors are the most significant "causes". Is it any wonder then that I responded best to "talk therapy" and the insights and spiritual connection offered by "depth psychology"?
It's worth drawing attention to this entry as well:
Schizophrenia & Hope. The two clinicians with the best recovery rates --
80% to 85% -- are a clinical psychologist (Jaakko Seikkula) and a Jungian psychiatrist (John Weir Perry). With that kind of match between cause and treatment, it was almost inevitable that I would make a full recovery. Naturally, it doesn't hurt to have "Jesus" (Love) and "Kali" (Time) on your side either.