Family History

Yep it happened again! How many times have we seen somebody with a family history of Schizophrenia use a drug like XTC and go psychotic? What can we do to stop this trend? Do we go to schools? Do we have mental health individuals send home flyers with their clients with this disorder for their children to read? Do we do a television campagne? I literally hate seeing somebody, who is 18 to 20 years old suddenly cut down in the prime of their life. We as a people have to stop this trend. I know there is a pull for teenagers to experiment with mind altering substances. Yes, I too dabbled in a few contraband substances myself and was lucky I kept my right mind. Though some would argue on the contrary. Still we need to protect the future of our country, our world from succumbing to psychosis when they don't have to experience it. Well at least not at such an early age.

Psychologists are well aware of a hereditary factor with mental illness. Though identical twins are not 100% assured to have the same ailment. I believe it was in the 40 percentile. Still if there is something going on in the family - whether it is a physical ailment (cancer, diabetes) or a psychiatric one, a person has to be aware of the fact that they too are vulnerable to the same and must take the proper preventative measures.

We had a 20 year old come in and had a recent hospitalization. They knew it was drug related and prayed that medication would bring back their old life to them. We don't know if this is possible. Some of the psychiatric medications are incredible and people who would have filled "insane asylums" years ago can lead a high functioning life because of them. However some are not so lucky.

Please talk to your family about any hereditary issues. Educate them about the use of substances that may cause them perminant damage. If we can save one person from a life of psychosis and misery, it would be well worth it.

Dr. Scott