The results of epidemiological studies of the prevalence of hallucinations strongly imply that psychosis and schizophrenia exist on a spectrum, according to the Scientific American. This suggests “that the standard treatment for a psychotic episode might be due for an overhaul.”
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This article neglects to mention that today’s “gold standard” treatment for “schizophrenia,” the “antipsychotics” / neuroleptic drugs, are known to cause “psychosis.” From drugs.com:
“Agents with anticholinergic properties (e.g., sedating antihistamines; antispasmodics; neuroleptics; phenothiazines; skeletal muscle relaxants; tricyclic antidepressants; disopyramide) may have additive effects when used in combination. Excessive parasympatholytic effects may result in … the anticholinergic intoxication syndrome … Central symptoms may include memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, hyperactivity, twitching or jerking movements, stereotypy, and seizures.”
These symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication syndrome are almost exactly the same as the symptoms of “schizophrenia” – the only difference being “hyperactivity” vs. “inactivity.” How do psychiatrists merely doing 15 minute med checks, and claiming one’s activities are “not believed by doctor,” know the difference between psychosis caused by anticholinergic toxicity and psychosis caused by “schizophrenia”? They don’t.
Thus, how to we know most “schizophrenia” is not actually anticholinergic intoxication poisoning?
