Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that manifests in both men and women in early adulthood. For many, the combination treatment using psychotherapy and medications becomes necessary. For some patients, such as my nephew, vitamins and minerals seem to be controlling some of the more negative symptoms associated with this psychiatric disorder.
If you are caring for a loved one that has uncontrolled schizophrenia complications, it may be prudent to investigate the use of natural supplements and how they, too, can aide in managing his mental health disorder. The B vitamins, in particular, seem to show the best therapeutic benefit in my nephew.
What are B Vitamins?
The term “B vitamins” refers to a group of water-soluble vitamins that help with metabolism and cell function. Within the group, we find the most popular subgroups known as folic acid, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. These same popular subgroups of vitamins are the supplements that seem to show the best results for patients with schizophrenia.
Dosing for Schizophrenia
For my nephew, I found that when I administer two milligrams of folic acid with 400 micrograms of vitamin B12, his negative schizophrenia symptoms are controlled quite well. This is, of course, in addition to his prescription medications provided by his psychiatrist. If you are considering this level of vitamin B supplementation in your own treatment, then be sure to consult your doctor first as blood work to check vitamin B levels may be necessary.
What About Schizophrenia Positive Symptoms?
Tailoring a vitamin supplement program for each schizophrenic patient is necessary. Because schizophrenia causes both positive and negative symptoms, the treatment of all symptoms must be managed closely by a physician. Vitamin B supplements, alone, may not provide relief if the positive symptoms associated with this mental health disorder. For this reason, aggressive treatment must be pursued to manage the entire person and not just the negative symptoms of this psychiatric complication.
Like many mental health disorders, schizophrenia can be managed with the right medications and therapy. With the use of vitamin and mineral supplements, we have found that my nephew also benefits from the use of specific vitamin B subgroups – creating a whole new realm of improvement in his daily living. If you are considering the use of vitamins for a mental health condition, be sure to inquire about the B vitamins and ask a doctor to tailor a program to your specific needs.
Resources:
Schizophrenia Facts and Symptoms
Folate and B12 in Schizophrenia – a medical study
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Schizophrenia in Teenagers
REM Sleep in Schizophrenia