Schizophrenics with religious delusions may have more in common with the rest of us than we think. When it comes to "mystical" experiences, similar brain areas are activated for both healthy people, and for those living with the disease.
Perhaps one major difference is a schizophrenic's inability to return from that feeling of being at one with a greater power. Non-schizophrenics are able to return to the reality of the moment.
New research also shows that spirituality and religion — now rarely used in treatment — may be therapeutic for schizophrenics. Those living with other illnesses often turn to prayer for a sense of comfort, or to find meaning in their suffering.
But because religious delusions are often a part of schizophrenia, clinicians feel it may be counterproductive to talk about religion in treatment.
Still, many schizophrenics say religion and spirituality are very important to them, and that they wish it could be integrated into their care.
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Comments
Sean Conroy, 2007-08-29 08:57:38 -- Flag for review
Amy,
Thank you so much for your expose on Schizophrenia and Bill Compton. You may already know this, but Bill passed away two days ago. He was my wife's step-brother. I would like to keep this link active until Bill's 90-year old father can view it. Can you please let me know how long this piece will remain viewable?
Amy Tenowich, 2007-08-30 14:55:55 -- Flag for review
Bill had the guts to overcome internal struggles most of us can't begin to imagine. He then was able to use that same strength to help others also dealt a tough hand in life. If we could all have a fraction of his compassion, dedication, humor, humility, passion and bravery, think of how many lives we too could change. Thank you Bill -- for living your life like a true hero, and for letting a total stranger come to your home with a camera to hear you talk about it.
Amy Tenowich
karen, 2007-09-12 01:11:53 -- Flag for review
karen, 2007-09-12 01:18:09 -- Flag for review
It is not only schizophrenics who may have these types of religious experiences, but others with psychological disorders also experience similar things.(P.S. the above flag for review is a mistake). Thanks.
Karen
Barbara, 2007-12-15 15:21:36 -- Flag for review
I came across this while searching for advice for my brother's schizophrenia. He says that he can't pray because 'the voices' won't let him and become angry when he tries. You can understand how people used to believe it was demon possession. Amy, thnk you for yor thoughtful and respectful piece on Bill Compton. It has helped me in my understanding.
Amy, 2007-12-20 12:05:11 -- Flag for review
Barbara,
Feedback like yours makes me feel like I am on the right path in my own life. Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm sorry that your brother is suffering from this horrible illness, and that you have to see him in pain. Life is one crazy ride, isn't it? Take care of you and your family, and all the best to you for 2008. -- Amy
Beth Meadows, 2007-12-22 17:15:19 -- Flag for review
I have talked to GOD myself and I am not ill.
We are spiritual beings. We are not of this Earth.
When someone hears voices I think its self explanitory.
Those are demons.
Ive never heard a voice other than my own.
But I do talk to God everyday and get this reassurance and sometimes I smile b/c I know he hears me and he has let me known that.
Does this mean I am crazy?
B/c I am not.
I never heard of Bill b4,
but God bless him ;)
I am sure God has him now
J.H., 2008-05-28 17:01:50 -- Flag for review
Thank you so much Bill Compton you were a angle! I to suffer with mental illness. I was only twenty when I started hearing vocies see things and haveing moodswings. My husband was in the United States Navy. They took my rights way. Because they said I was a danger to myself. He was station at newport news Va. I was so ill that in my mind I was on a mission for God and God and I became one. I also belived it was the end of world! Thank God for my mother and my husband for standing by me,and my doctors. I suffer with bipolar and schizophrenia. For others out there keep the faith there is hope.
Martin Malloy, 2008-09-15 10:49:39 -- Flag for review
I have just gotten out of the hospital from my third major psychotic break. First in 86 with shock treatments for 3 months than the same in 96 also with shock treatments. I just got out in July for a 3 week stay which although I suffered from the most severe delusions yet, I did not need shock treatments. I know full well the inability to relate to others bill must of felt. I hope he found peace at the end of his life and even now after.
I have been able to successfully deal with schizophrenia because I always have looked at it from many points of view. The simplest way I can explain it is that it is like a naturally occuring cult. The pills help you function but I don't think you can truly find contentment and live a normal life til you find something in the real world you really enjoy and decide thats where you wanna be. Many choose to be the archangel or whoever and with good intentions choose to live that life. That does not make them bad people or stupid. I perform stand up comedy have worked for the government and plan to go to law school. I truly enjoy 2 out of those three things. I have felt like I was contacted by something spiritual before and it happens to many people like bill and I. I have my own explanation for what that phenomena is. I have always defied the odds after each hospitilazation (once I was on the phone applying for jobs while they were making plans for me to never work and be taken care of, I worked that job for 8 years) and now I am told that I will probably function at a much lower cognitive level. Time will tell. Thank you and thank bills life story for allowing me to express myself to people that maybe able to relate.
Amy Tenowich, 2008-09-15 10:57:07 -- Flag for review
Thank you all so much for sharing you very personal stories about living with mental illness, and for your positive feedback. Stay strong and be well!
Armando Salazar, 2008-11-12 11:06:54 -- Flag for review
I don't know what it is like to suffer from this type of mental illness. But I can tell you that my life was transformed when I "heard" God's voice. I spent years suffering from depression and drug use. It wwasn't until at my lowest point I desprately sought help through a "christian regeneration program" in Florida. (I thought I was going to a christian rehab) where the focal point in it's "therapy" is to introduce one to a type of journaling where I was encouraged to record the conversations I had with God. I recorded not only my comments and questions but his responses. I am convinced that he speaks to me. He healed me.
2 years now....drug free and depression free. what a wonderful world he has revealed to me. I believe everyone can learn to hear his voice if we just try to. I think Bill was blessed by his illness.
Armando Salazar, 2008-11-12 11:07:54 -- Flag for review
I don't know what it is like to suffer from this type of mental illness. But I can tell you that my life was transformed when I "heard" God's voice. I spent years suffering from depression and drug use. It wwasn't until at my lowest point I desprately sought help through a "christian regeneration program" in Florida. (I thought I was going to a christian rehab) where the focal point in it's "therapy" is to introduce one to a type of journaling where I was encouraged to record the conversations I had with God. I recorded not only my comments and questions but his responses. I am convinced that he speaks to me. He healed me.
2 years now....drug free and depression free. what a wonderful world he has revealed to me. I believe everyone can learn to hear his voice if we just try to. I think Bill was blessed by his illness.
Armando Salazar, 2008-11-12 11:08:55 -- Flag for review
I don't know what it is like to suffer from this type of mental illness. But I can tell you that my life was transformed when I "heard" God's voice. I spent years suffering from depression and drug use. It wwasn't until at my lowest point I desprately sought help through a "christian regeneration program" in Florida. (I thought I was going to a christian rehab) where the focal point in it's "therapy" is to introduce one to a type of journaling where I was encouraged to record the conversations I had with God. I recorded not only my comments and questions but his responses. I am convinced that he speaks to me. He healed me.
2 years now....drug free and depression free. what a wonderful world he has revealed to me. I believe everyone can learn to hear his voice if we just try to. I think Bill was blessed by his illness