Disproven Treatments for Paranoid Schizophrenia

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When it comes to finding an effective paranoid schizophrenia treatment, it’s important to recognize that every patient is unique and will respond differently to each treatment option. However, there are certain treatments that have been proven effective at treating schizophrenia. In particular, medications such as risperidone and olanzapine have each been shown to be an effective paranoid schizophrenia treatment, especially when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. Unfortunately, there are still individuals who try to market and sell schizophrenia treatments that have been proven ineffective.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a common dietary supplement that aids in metabolism. For a while, it was thought to have potential as a schizophrenia medication. However, several studies have shown that vitamin B6 has no effect on treating schizophrenia or helping with any known schizophrenia symptoms.

Niacin

Another alleged vitamin cure, niacin (also known as nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3) is a vitamin used for treating cholesterol problems. It was once thought to have some benefit in controlling schizophrenia symptoms, but numerous research studies have proven otherwise. In fact, some research suggests that niacin can actually have harmful effects for schizophrenia patients.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing needles into the skin at specific locations in order to balance out the body’s senses and chemistry. Though some people claim that acupuncture is beneficial for all people and ailments, there is no evidence to show that acupuncture is a useful paranoid schizophrenia treatment.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Over the years, there have been several people and companies that have claimed they had found the cure for schizophrenia. For example, EMPowerplus is a vitamin and mineral supplement manufactured by the Canadian company Synergy (also known as Truehope Nutritional Support). Synergy claims that EMPowerplus is a cure for schizophrenia. Not only has the Canadian government advised against using EmPowerplus, but there are also reports of adverse side effects. There are reports of other mega-vitamin products containing more than 200% of the recommended daily allowances of many vitamins that also claim to be cures, but are nothing more than vitamins.

Be wary of any product that claims to be a cure for schizophrenia. There is no cure for schizophrenia at this time, but there are treatments. Most behavioral, educational and cognitive therapies administered by a trained mental health professional show promise for treating specific mental health problems. If you have any questions about how a treatment works or what to expect, talk to a licensed professional.

Sources

Ban, T. A. (1974). Negative findings with nicotinic acid in the treatment of schizophrenias. International Pharmacopsychiatry, 9(3), 172-187.

Health Canada. (2003). Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter Volume 13 – Issue 4 – October 2003. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/carn-bcei_v13n4-eng.php

Health Canada. (2007). Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter, Volume 17, Issue 3, July 2007. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/carn-bcei_v17n3-eng.php

Luchins, D., Ban, T. A., & Lehmann, H. E. (1978). A review of nicotinic acid, N-methylated indoleamines and schizophrenia. International Pharmacopsychiatry, 13(1), 16-33.

Midownik, C., Cohen, H., Kotler, M., & Lerner, V. (2003). Vitamin B6 add-on therapy in treatment of schizophrenic patients with psychotic symptoms and movement disorders. Harefuah, 142(8-9), 592-596.

Petrie, W. M., Ban, T. A., Ananth, J. V. (1981). The use of nicotinic acid and pyridoxine in the treatment of schizophrenia. International Pharmacopsychiatry, 16(4), 245-250.

Shen, X., Xia, J., & Adams, C. E. (2014). Acupuncture for schizophrenia. http://www.cochrane.org/CD005475/SCHIZ_acupuncture-for-schizophrenia

Vaughan, K. & McConaghy, N. (1999). Megavitamin and dietary treatment in schizophrenia: a randomised, controlled trial. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 33(1), 84-88.

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