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Holistic comes from the word "whole". This approach to health looks at the role that the mind, body, emotions and spirit have to play in our general wellbeing. In other words, it takes the whole person into account. A holistic approach may mean re-evaluating your lifestyle, how you live and what you eat. It also takes into account the part which stress can play in your daily life. Holistic living is about helping you with your choice of lifestyle. It means getting to know yourself better and discovering what is best for you.
The holistic approach, as it is applied to the treatment of schizophrenia, means assessing how schizophrenia is affecting all aspects of an individual’s being. The emotional, psychological, social and physical aspects should all be considered. The focus should not be exclusively on the illness. The approach recognises that an individual who has schizophrenia is, first and foremost, a person with a range of needs. The methods used to assist recovery should therefore allow a way forward that is tailored to individual needs and choices.
The treatment options and therapies outlined below are set out in order of priority. All people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia should have access to a choice of medications. Medication is the main frontline treatment. People should also have access, within their local services, to a range of social, vocational and psychological interventions.
These interventions, although not medical, are accepted as necessary in the treatment of schizophrenia. Additional complementary therapies, while becoming more popular, are generally only available on a private basis. Many of these therapies have not been clinically validated; however it is generally accepted that they are useful in stress reduction and enhancing general well being.
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