CARER INVOLVEMENT

Though the Government emphasizes Carer Involvement in every new Guideline, Framework, etc. and the Trust and other Services invite Carers to endless Meetings, seldom or never are Carers effectively involved, which is particularly noticeable in crisis situations. There are too many known cases which illustrate this fact and inevitably result in drastic measures having to be taken when the crisis has escalated into the practically unmanageable. To consider are: Drain on Resources, Stress on staff, More beds required / alternatively Police intervention and appearances in Court, and of course added trauma to the Service User and to his Carer. Why is the Carer not allowed to alert Services in time to avert these outcomes. What is the OBSTACLE or rather WHO OPPOSES THE CARERS INVOLVEMENT? This attitude goes against the most basic logic and common sense.

FOOD FOR THE BRAIN

At a recent Conference in London, Chrissie Sugden, MSc, spoke on METHYLATION in connection with depression, schizophrenia and autism. Methylation is the cell's ability to switch on and off gene activity. It is crucial for balancing neurotransmitters and for mental health. The vital nutritional co-factors for methylation are vitamins B2, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, magnesium and the amino acid trimethylglycine. High homocysteine levels generally indicate poor methylation.
NIACIN and SCHIZOPHRENIA Dr. Abram Hoffer was unable to attend the conference but he sent a video presentation detailing his 50 years' experience of successfully treating schizophrenia with niacin (vit.B3). His comparison with hallucinogenic drugs of schizophrenic patients suggested that supplementation with niacin might prevent the conversion of adrenaline into the hallucinogen adrenachrome. In his first trials with 8 schizophrenic patients who had failed to respond to any other treatment he used 1 gm of niacin (combined with Vit. C to prevent oxidation) three times a day. This has remained the basis of his treatment since, although he has subsequently added vitamin B6, zinc and essential fatty acids. Dr. Hoffer also emphasised the vital importance of including hope in the treatment he offers his patients - with whom he always discusses what they will do when they get better - not if.