[UA] Schizophrenia

[Timothy Ferguson]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ua-admin at lists.uchicago.edu [mailto:ua-admin at lists.uchicago.edu]On

>     I think a similar theme was explored on Law & Order or NYPD Blue or
> something similar, but here's my take for such a character as a PC or NPC.
> Let's say the guy used to be a borderline functional schizophrenic.  Then
> his brother or someone who cared about him delved into the occult
> underground to find a cure--and they found it.  Now the character gets
> involved in the occult underground, too, possibly trafficking with demons.
> The thing is, he wants to find a cure for the cure!  All his
> life, he's had
> voices keeping him company; now he's alone.  Or he used to think
> he was able
> to hear other people's thoughts, now he feels like he's cut off from
> everyone.

If you have a delusional illness a "cure" implies a lack of desire to
continue having the delusional illness.  If you still want them you aren't
cured and, in real life at least, they come back immediately regardless of
what drugs you are on, because the drugs only stop you hearing voices you
don't want ot hear - they give you "control".  They don't shackle your
imagination so that it isn't possible to imagine voices anymore.

This is why schitzophrenia is treated with CBT. Cognitive therapy is a
necessary part of the treatment - people need to want to not be
schizophrenic.


_______________________________________________
UA mailing list
UA at lists.uchicago.edu
http://lists.uchicago.edu/mailman/listinfo/ua