Schizophrenia psychologist launches 'coming off' psychiatric drugs website

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Schizophrenia psychologist launches 'coming off' psychiatric drugs

website

January 16, 2008

EXCLUSIVE

by Adam

A psychologist once diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia has helped

launch a website advising people how to withdraw from psychiatric

drugs.

May was given the schizophrenia diagnosis when, aged 18, he lived in

a " day-dream fantasy world " and thought he was a spy. Rufus May said

his psychiatrist told him he would have to take neuroleptic

medication for the rest of his life.

But May - against medical advice - later successfully withdrew from

all his medication. He went on to qualify as a clinical psychologist

and, aged 38, has since become a key voice promoting a non-medical

recovery approach to

mental health. May fears psychiatry often confuses the withdrawal

effects of medication with symptoms of an underlying mental illness.

He has now helped set up comingoff.com, a website providing

information on different psychiatric medications, including

neuroleptics, antidepressants, Lithium and benzodiazepines. The site -

created with input from May's psychiatrist colleagues - details how

the drugs interact with the brain, side effects, withdrawal effects

and suggested drug dosage rates when trying to come off the drugs.

Before withdrawing, the website recommends people developing

alternative ways to deal with " difficult mind states " , sourcing

suitable networks of support, and working collaboratively with their

psychiatrists.

" It is important to prepare well before starting a reduction

process, " states the website.

Speaking to psychminded.co.uk, May said: " The website is about trying

to give people safe and succinct advice.

" We know that people are trying to come off psychiatric medication.

With the information on the site they are more likely to do it in a

safe way.

" Although I think some people might see the site as encouraging

people to stop taking their medication, this not the case. "

The idea for comingoff.com evolved from discussions among members of

a weekly 'Coming Off Psychiatric Medication' support group in Hebden

Bridge, West Yorkshire, which May co-runs. Some psychiatric drugs,

particularly neuroleptics, have disabling side effects, patients say.

Comingoff.com includes accounts written by people who have withdrawn

from psychiatric medication.

May, who experienced compulsory treatment when in a London

psychiatric hospital, came off his antipsychotics without

professional help and managed to see through the surges of mania and

restlessness which accompanied his withdrawal.

He used his friends, and those he met at community centres and

churches, to rediscover his social skills and confidence.

After a number of casual jobs, May embarked on a psychology degree

and went on to train as a clinical psychologist at the University of

East London. He now works with Bradford District Care Trust's

assertive outreach team,

Research by the mental health charity Mind has previously detailed

methods used by people when stopping psychiatric drugs.

www.comingoff.com