Commissioners Professor Sir Robin Murray and Dr. Alison Brabban discuss the progress that has been made in diagnosis and treatment over the past 100 years. Recent developments of the bio-psycho-social understanding of schizophrenia and psychosis, and the opportunity to improve standards of treatment and support for people experiencing psychosis are considered.
Dr Brabban talked about the treatments for psychosis over the last century – many of them today would be seen as cruel and harmful, but at the time were ground breaking. Dr Brabban stressed the shock therapies were carried out based upon good intentions of doctors desperate to alleviate symptoms.
Dr Brabban also talked about the problem of diagnosis – be sure to watch the videos to see the thought-provoking fruit bowl analogy illustrating there are more differences than similarities in people presenting with symptoms of schizophrenia – so how effective is diagnosis by grouping the symptoms?
We also heard that there is no compelling evidence to show that neuroleptics are effective long term in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Prof Sir Robin Murray also looked a the problem of diagnosis – but there is hope with science and practice coming together over the dimensional approach to managing mental illness.
Watch the fascinating debate in the videos below.
Dr. Alison Brabban 
Professor Sir Robin Murray 