(Jan. 15, 2014) For those who haven’t witnessed the torment of someone in the throes of psychosis, or seen someone recover from their symptoms, a new video provides an opportunity see both (Schizophrenia treatment: Before and after).
Several people with severe mental illness were interviewed and the difference between the interviewees prior to treatment for their hallucinations and after is remarkable.
The first video shows “Jon,” who describes his visual hallucinations. He tells that interviewer that it is his belief that the birds flying outside his window are trying to communicate with him by the way that they fly and “the way they sit on the wire.”
After treatment, five years later, Jon says, “I am a different person because I’m in reality now.” He reports that he has an apartment and a car and is “living a normal lifestyle.” (Watch Jon’s video.)
“Carol Ann” meets with the interviewer before treatment, and her speech is unintelligible. After 6 weeks of medication, she clearly explains her hallucinations and getting ready in the morning to start her day. After 2.5 years of medication she has earned her driver’s license and lives in her own apartment. (Watch Carol Ann’s video.)
Other than the transformations, the most notable part of these before and after videos is the recognition by the interviewees themselves that treatment has brought about a positive change to their lives.
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