[capricorn57]

More than 50 years of data show that people with schizophrenia who take antipsychotic drugs lower their risk of relapse, a new study suggests.

Relapse rates were 64% in people not taking medications for schizophrenia, while they were 27% in those who were given them for at least a year. Relapse -- meaning symptoms get worse or come back after a period of improvement -- is a common occurrence in people with schizophrenia.

The study also shows that people treated with these drugs are also less likely to be hospitalized or to behave aggressively or violently.

For this review study, scientists analyzed data from nearly 6,500 people with schizophrenia who participated in 65 research trials published between 1959 and 2011.

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http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/n...src=RSS_PUBLIC

[Fresia]

Thanks for this.

[Perna]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sch...ION=prevention

[owllover98]

I was on Haldol (for Skitzs) for 16 years 3 mg. I'm Bipolar. Finally I got a pdoc to wean me off it.I was ok for about a month. Then it started. y new pdoc said the new meds wouldn't make me shake and feel like I'm losing my mind. I googled Haldol Withdrawal and found out. It was called hel, which it is. One guy was ina moving car and opened the door and jumped out because he had to move. I hear all anti-psychotics can do it, but haldol is the worst. Check what I said out.

[cocoabeans]

Just because they work doesn't mean they're tolerable Owllover98!

The funny thing about psychiatry is the apparent objectivity. The observations are based on what others think is important and the self reports by the patients themselves are always interpreted by others. Others who experience the effects of mental illness but are not directly affected.

Now, I'm not denying medication works for the limits of the desired results but, if we question the focus and wonder why some effects are discounted as side effects a broader perspective forms.

Bipolar is interesting too because doctors, families and others are interested in calming the mania but, depression? That isn't nearly as disturbing to them. Bipolar depression, which is much more individually devestating rather than outwardly disturbing, seems to be something that is less important than stopping someone from being outwardly mad with mania.

But, what do I know? I'm a patient not a scholar I take my medication, within reason.

[Confusedinomicon]

It shows a benefit but in double blind studies with a placebo the benefit wasnt as pronounced. This does not confirm long term success much like the article wants you to believe.