I read your letter with much interest although I have no personal experiences or knowledge with anyone hearing voices or diagnosis encompassing such a symptom. I am much in agreement one should try to first consider the least invasive therapies which your therapy and letter appears to offer up.

Although after reading your letter I am struck by several points the first being your three bullet listings:

• To hear voices in itself is a normal experience. Of course it is unusual, but at some time or another, many people hear a voice when nobody else is actually present.

• For most children (60%) the voices disappear over time as the child develops and as they learn to cope with life’s problems, and with the emotions and feelings involved with those problems, which led to the voices starting in the first place.

While your letter encompasses hearing voices and the letter was prompted by the Schofield case history no where I see you addressing the issue of the actual violence the child has demonstrated or the suicidal ideations acted upon amongst other points expressed by the Schofield’s.

I also noted “For most children (60%) the voices disappear over time” and what about the remaining 40%? Is not possible the child in question a part of the 40%? And if so, you’ve omitted a seriously ill population of patients and have not addressed their issues.

Are you or the esteemed professionals able to guarantee efficacy through your therapy?

I also did not read anywhere in your letter anyone directly offering therapy assistance, financial assistance and/or otherwise to help in the case of the Schofield’s?

I personally for more than four decades have been researching and collaborating with leading researchers and professionals while maintaining an open mind to alternative and/or adjunctive therapies to treat my spouse’s Major Depressive Disorder. Your letter represents to me a therapy certainly to be considered but also a dichotomy once again in professional viewpoints especially from the professionals the Schofield’s have obviously consulted with and are currently treating their child.

Speaking from the perspective of a support person and caregiver I’ve always questioned myself in terms of the best treatment(s) for my spouse but I’ve never questioned my love, devotion and her best interests as I similarly believe the Schofield’s exhibit to their children.

I personally do not believe this issue to be one of wrong or right as there is no definitive and/or quantitative answer(s) but decisions which emotionally aggravate and stress the caregiver and potentially further hurts the patient and one which boils down to that which I’ve long stated in my caring for my spouse as the “Trial and Error Approach to Wellness.”

Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com

We want to bring to your attention our open letter addressing the issues facing a child in psychiatric care who has been diagnosed a “schizophrenic” at 7 years of age and is being administered high levels of neuroleptic medication – and arises from a recent uncritical and unquestioning Oprah Winfrey Show programme about the diagnosis given and treatment offered by the psychiatric system.

It is an open letter addressed to Oprah Winfrey and intended to be seen by the public through newspapers and other media, such as a letter to the editor, or included in websites, blogs, Facebook etc.

You can link to the online version at the INTERVOICE website here http://www.intervoiceonline.org/2009/10/18/open-letter-to-oprah-winfrey-in-response-to-the-programme-about-the-7-year-old-schizophrenic

If you find what we are trying to do of interest, we would very much appreciate you promoted it on your blog and also give your advice on how to better promote our campaign.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

Paul Baker
INTERVOICE

——————————————————————————–

Introduction: This letter has been written in response to the Oprah Winfrey programme about Jani “The 7-Year-Old Schizophrenic” broadcast on the 6th October 2009. We want to tell you about an alternative and more empowering approach to the experience of hearing voices. 135 members of the mental health community around the world, including voice hearers, relatives, citizens, academics and educators, nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and researchers have been moved to sign this letter. Such is the level of concern felt about the circumstances that Jani finds herself in.

sometime i hear sound like telephone ring or my daddy speak in angry..
I dont understand, sometime I feel like dying person..
Can you send me everything about schizophrenia to my e-mail ??

Thanks.

We exist in a very complex place, much more complex than is currently understood by medicine, psychology, physics or any other philosophy. There are huge parts of the universe that are unexplored and won’t be until “Science” as a whole accepts the reality that there is no substitute for experience. It’s one thing to “calculate” what a far away planet looks like or what it’s atmosphere is like. It’s a totally different thing to be there. Current scientific theories can’t even explain the simple mechanics of gravity or how a wave can traverse a supposed “vacuum”. Most current theories are based on an assumption that space is a linear extrapolation, that all space is the same, that time is some kind of magic surface and that things that can’t be seen are “imaginary”. Unfortunately our cultures have demonized people who seen and hear things that others don’t and in the process, project their own feelings upon the “ill” person. The reality is that there is an explanation for everything. But one must first let go of the idea that the universe is run by a magic man with a white beard.

I’m happy to discuss or communicate on the issue if you’re willing to email me.
siggma@trbailey.net

I am who I am, where I am, when I am for my own purpose and no other.
-This Academy

First, I’m clearly missing something because, regardless of Herb’s profession / background / etc, I do not find him rude, confrontational, off-base, or any of the things people are saying about him on here. He seems to add balance & a different perspective on the issue than the majority who are “ruling” this board. As long as someone is respectful in their tone – I believe we should always welcome another perspective (something most here don’t seem open to but are accusing the parents of being unwilling to do for Jani… Hmmm?!).

This is my first time here. I’ve only begun reading about Jani through those LA Times articles & her father’s website. I am an adult w/ serious & persistent mental illness. I, too, have strong opinions about psychiatric meds – especially in children. I, too, have strong opinions about this early of a diagnosis of such great magnitude – BUT, I can think of at least one reason for a parent to want to keep a particular diagnosis: INSURANCE & BENEFITS!

An Axis I diagnosis brings different resources, benefits, etc than others. I wouldn’t get mucked up in the label – rather, on the surface, keep the diagnosis if it serves the purpose for insurance & benefits & keep seeking truth & answers = healing!!!

This is a family clearly in crisis & I find it absurd for anyone to say, with absolute certainty, what they would or would not do in a particular situation – like her father harming her as he did. Was it okay? POSITIVELY NOT. But I can almost assure you that he would have never thought himself capable of such either! THEY need more supportive services & they need answers!

In my gut I don’t belief this is an accurate diagnosis – but I’m not remotely qualified to make this determination either. I am overcome with sorrow for this child & her family. I do not judge this father or label him as abusive – I scream, instead, THEY NEED HELP NOW!!!

I can only imagine what this litany of medications is doing to this poor child. I am so grateful that – if I had to have mental illness – I was not diagnosed until I was old enough & wise enough to make decisions for myself – to opt in or out of recommended treatments, to find alternative treatments / answers / solutions for myself, & to not be completely & absolutely vulnerably at the mercy of psychiatrists (who have their own agendas – even when they mean well), pharmaceutical companies (who definitely have their own agendas & ZERO testing of meds for safety in children), & my parents who are worn to the bare bone not knowing where to turn or what to do next – just hanging on for dear life!

I empathize with both the child & the parents & wish each of them their highest good! Sending IAOMAI (ee-ah’-om-ahee) to Jani & her family!

In love & light… still unwritten

As a parent of a child with a severe mental illness, I can tell you, it reeks havoc on the entire family. Michael and Susan are doing the best they can with a real illness impacting their daughter.

When a family confronts this sort of situation, they ALL need to be in therapy to figure out how best to deal both with the situation and their reaction to it. I don’t think most people are emotionally prepared to deal with this kind of situation. You should try to encourage them to find support and help, not pile on the self-righteous judgment.

“Are you people on here on dope or what??” — Laura

Without you realizing it you gave me a good laugh. Don’t you know that you’re questioning the anti-psychiatry and anti-pharmacology cult?

On dope…you have to be kidding…aren’t you? These folks abhor drugs!

These zealots simply adhere to and follow their dogma. All else be damned.

Their leader(s) post an article inciting the zealot fervor and then you read their all knowing responses. Maybe you didn’t read the reference that Liz made to Dawdy’s posting. Certainly more interesting than Dawdy’s commentary, in my opinion, is the numerous comments that followed from his devout followers. One of those sharing his/her comments comes from a psychologist which even makes me chuckle more as to his/her professionalism.

The real story is that Liz hasn’t yet picked up upon or Dawdy hasn’t written anything further simply because some of these writers, journalist folks are more interested in headline sensationalism than really digging into and uncovering the real facts and then following through from start to finish of a story. The fact is the Schofield’s saga is in its infancy and slowly evolving. The zealot fervor of these cultists is absent of patience or any need to dig deep and for them it’s on to the next sensationalism that they think justifies their dogma.

You might also not be aware and in my opinion that Dawdy and many of his followers are not parents which may be a fortunate circumstance based upon that which I read.

From my perspective as a very, very long-time support person and caregiver the Schofield’s saga is not only riveting but truly gut wrenching knowing of my own challenges and the fact that I believe theirs to be far, far more difficult and stressful. Not that it is any consolation for me but I have always been aware of others having far greater difficulties and challenges than I ever encountered and therefore I have much to be thankful for.

The Schofield’s while faced with these challenges are at the same time sharing their experiences and taking this opportunity to educate and enlighten others willing to maintain an open and non-judgmental mind for which I am extremely happy and pleased to read.

Maybe Liz will consider following up as to the more recent events of this story while also reconsidering what she believes to have been a “great post”.

Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com

I thought it an appropriate time to return to this topic and address something you wrote while at the same time updating information and responding to some of the comments especially those specifically addressed to me.

As I’ve stated through the years I question myself often as to whether I am the only one reading or thinking as I do on any particular subject. You began this topic by stating, “There’s a great post over at Furious Seasons by Philip about Shari Roan’s LA Times story about a 6-year-old girl, January (pictured), who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.”

Well I don’t agree with you in that “There’s a great post…” and I found at least one someone else in agreement with my thought:

[Liz Spikol, who really should know better, but who is an antipsychiatry sympathizer who sees no wrong in Dawdy, unconscionably refers to Dawdy's sensationalism as a "great post" and the nutjob ravings as "an important discussion."]

Actually I found Dawdy’s headline, “Father Of Girl With Schizophrenia Admits Hitting, Starving Girl” not only reprehensible but furthering the sensationalistic tabloid headlines his apparently award winning journalism and re-reporting has deteriorated into. Add to which his presumptions often tend to incite his “satellite” minions into their zealot fervor. So I’ll apologize to you Liz if our tastes differ in this matter.

This now brings me to a recent blog posting from Michael Schofield”

Ain’t no angels gonna greet us…

http://www.januaryfirst.org/www.januaryfirst.org/Blog/Entries/2009/7/28_Ain%E2%80%99t_no_angels_gonna_greet_us….html

Bravo to the individual(s) who saw fit to take action only from the standpoint of having more balls than the crap I read spewed from a number of individuals on these various message forums. Please make no mistake about it from my readings that it was truly more a hateful and hostile response to the Schofield’s and Michael’s admitted flowery writings and the challenges facing the Schofield’s, in my opinion, but at least the above link should be an answer to all those who think they know better while enveloped in their dogmatic belief systems.

My thoughts now turn and are directed to Dear Stephany and my first suggestion and response to you is to please read the above link in response to the many statements you’ve expressed and I’ve read in Cyberspace regarding the Schofield’s to which I personally disagree with you.

Unlike you, Liz, Dawdy and a number of other journalists, writers, English majors and/or aspiring Cyberspace writers I have no such similar qualifications, inclinations or aspirations and with my limited abilities I try to the best of those abilities to share my views as directly and distinctively as possible addressing the issues and statements without intentionally or otherwise attacking the person as you apparently even perceive in my asking questions.

Like Michael Schofield I also find your writings to be flowery and in doing so, in my opinion, both you and he tend to mislead or distort the information for the reader. Shari Roan, the LA Times reporter, did not state she “defends” parental abuse. That is your word. Or does she “blames”. Again that is your word. Like Michael and his flowery writings for artistic emphasis or otherwise you too practice similar writings although unlike Michael Schofield eventually he addresses the issues directly from what I’ve read.

I asked a question which I expressed you need not answer to which you responded in what appears to me to be in a state of anger and hostility:

“Herb, you can try and attack me here all you want, that is expected from a commenter banned from most all sites ever posted on.

If you are to quote my daughter’s tragic story, then let it be known here for new readers, that the medication given to my daughter was not known to be an anti depressant, and the tragic outcome speaks for itself.

I am not surprised you attack any one of us here, it’s your method of operation, and as a supposed long time caregiver of your spouse, it is surprising you appear to defend child abuse, in the case of Jani’s parents.” — Stephany

I didn’t attack you nor do I have intentions of attacking you or anyone. I addressed several of your statements. I asked questions of that which you’ve written.

In lieu of your flowery statement “that is expected from a commenter banned from most all sites ever posted on” and other of your beliefs the fact is I have been banned from three message forums; point and counterpoint. To which I’ll also add I’ve lost not a second of sleep.

“If you are to quote my daughter’s tragic story…” I’m sorry you’re need to be so mellow dramatic in your reply or replies as I didn’t address your “daughter’s tragic story. You did! But as I know very little of your daughters beginning challenges other than questions I posed and what I expressed to you in a polite and inquisitive private message to you asking to please educate me or to direct me to more detailed writings so that I may better understand and be educated as I’ve been unable to find any such information.

I’m still awaiting your reply; flowery or otherwise to what you refer to as your “daughter’s tragic story”.

“…and as a supposed long time caregiver of your spouse, it is surprising you appear to defend child abuse, in the case of Jani’s parents.” Once again another of your flowery words, “supposed.” The fact is, “I am” and not “supposed” very, very long time support person and caregiver despite any misconceptions or misunderstandings you might have.

In what appears as a highly charged emotional state in responding to me you simply did not read carefully enough my position on child abuse or for that matter to which I’ll add any abuse both physically or mentally of anyone but that’s okay. Flowery writing apparently precedes facts as I guess you tend see it. Try rereading my statement instead of distorting context for either your emotional purpose or needs.

Based upon your writings I have several additional questions to ask of you in view of the fact you additionally added you didn’t know your daughter was prescribed antidepressants for bedwetting. Why did you allow any medication for bedwetting and why did you not investigate the prescribed medication beforehand and why did you standby and not intervene and/or question “Seeing my daughter gain 100 lbs on Zyprexa” before this substantial weight gain knowing all that you do about psychotropic medications?

I’m well aware that most studies of medications and therapies are performed on adults so just what this has to do with the questions I’ve asked? Drag you in? Please, I’m simply questioning what you write or am I making any judgment which brings me to another point and question.

My spouse through these many years has taken numerous medications, has had ECT and various therapies and unlike another of your flowery statements “they fried her brain” my spouse has had numerous MRI, X-ray, CAT scans and blood work ups etc indicating that her brain is normal for an adult of her age despite also having other neurological challenges.

Would you care to elaborate on any specifics to indicate that there’s been physical damage to the brain? And I also shall refrain from any further comments as to that flowery remark.

Dear Kimbriel,

“Herb, please pay attention. I got this information from the father’s blog. Not from a newspaper article.” — Kimbriel

I’m aware you obtained the information from the Schofield’s blog and thanks for the suggestion about paying attention which I do. May I suggest you carefully reread my response to you? Obviously the point I was making totally eluded your understanding and comprehension.

Dear Jane,

I’m sorry my differences with some of the statements I read are interpreted as “hateful” by you. It is not intended to be so and as for my “disingenuousness of your customary sign-off” I’ll leave that to Liz to attempt to explain for your better understanding as I wouldn’t want my response to you to also be interpreted as “hateful” or offensive. You might also take into consideration my inability to express myself as eloquently and precisely as do others. Would cutting some slack be a possible consideration and acceptable alternative to you?

Since I’m simply not as astute as you or many of those participants here and elsewhere I’ll read, chuckle and/or learn from your easy and ready assessments and judgment of others.

Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com

“Doctors think Jani, who has dozens of phantom animal friends, was born mentally ill.
“Child-onset schizophrenia is 20 to 30 times more severe than adult-onset schizophrenia,” Dr. Nitin Gogtay, a neurologist at the National Institute of Mental Health, told the Times.
“Ninety-five percent of the time they are awake these kids are actively hallucinating,” Gogtay said. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything more devastating in all of medicine.”
Jani has been on heavy doses of anti-psychotic medications, but often doesn’t respond or suffers from severe side effects.
Asked during a recent stay in the UCLA psychiatric ward if her new medication was working, Jani said, “No. I have more friends,” the Times reported.
She’s tried to jump out of windows, tried to push the car out of gear while her father was driving, and screams, hits, kicks and bites.
Jani can be so violent that her parents, Michael and Susan Schofield, have had to rent two separate apartments in the same complex in California to protect her 18-month-old brother, Bohdi, from Jani — and to protect Jani from herself. They take turns, with one staying a night with Jani and the other with Bohdi, then switching. The on-duty parent is referred to as her “staff.”