From: [log in to unmask]: [log in to unmask]: Schizophrenia Research Project - update and appealDate: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:45:08 +0000
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Schizophrenia Research Project - update and appeal
Dear Friend
Schizophrenia Research Project - update
I am pleased to let you know that we are on the brink of starting our long-awaited nutrition and schizophrenia project. We've identified the researchers, research supervisors and collaborative university and hope to start in the next couple of months.
The design we favour is not a randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) but a comparison of the relative effectiveness of a systems-based approach, as used by the Brain Bio Centre, on a group of people with schizophrenia, compared to a group receiving conventional treatment. Last year, in a keynote speech at the Royal College of Physicians, Professor Sir Michael Rawlings, head of NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence), laid out his reasons for why the kind of research we intend to do has real merit and why RCTs have been placed on an undeserved pedestal.
Also, the problem of trials giving a specific nutrient or set of nutrients is that it ignores the fact that each schizophrenic person we treat has unique biochemical imbalances, warranting a personalised nutritional strategy. Michael P* from London is a case in point..
"After a "bad trip" when I was a teenager I developed paranoia, anxiety and depression. Things got worse and over the next ten years I took 3 overdoses. I have been diagnosed with social phobia, depression and paranoid schizophrenia and have been prescribed a range of anti-depressants (Velalfaxine) and anti-psychotic medications (Olanzapine and Stelazine). Even when I was on my medications I still felt paranoid and experienced really bad anxiety. I was skeptical that a nutritional approach would be able to help me. However, I was desperate and so I visited the Brain Bio Centre. I was found to have imbalanced neurotransmitters and food allergies. I started the nutritional program given to me by the nutritionist and quite frankly I was amazed at the results.
My nutritional program has lowered my anxiety levels: for the first time in about 8 years, I am able to go out by myself. I feel much more emotionally stable and much calmer. I have stayed out of hospital and I am gradually getting better and better. For the first time I am starting to consider the possibility of getting a job!"
Michael is just one case where this approach has helped to get his life back on track, there are many others who have been treated at the Brain Bio Centre (www.brainbiocentre.com) with this approach and had equally positive experiences. They are the fortunate ones - with one person in a hundred suffering from symptoms of Schizophrenia, we, at Food for the Brain, want this approach to be available to everyone suffering from this debilitating and devastating condition - this project is the first step in the right direction.
We need £16,000 per annum for the next three years to carry out this vital research which, we sincerely hope will help put nutritional therapy for schizophrenia on the map. So far, we have raised £13,000 and need to raise another £3,000 to start this vital project. All the help you can give, however small, is greatly appreciated. Please visit our website at www.foodforthebrain.org/supportus should you wish to support our work.
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
Patrick HolfordChief Executive Officer
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