They want a range of views (including non-medical ones!)
The ‘Schizophrenia’ Commission, launched by mental health charity Rethink, is currently gathering evidence from people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, those who work in the area and researchers. On 13 March, they put a special request out to encourage those who do not believe ‘schizophrenia’ is a useful or valid term to contibute their ideas and experiences too. The following is an extract from their website, explaining their position:
“We know that diagnosis is hugely controversial in mental health and Commissioners are particularly interested in hearing the views of those who do not believe that ‘schizophrenia’ is a useful term or aids recovery of those with a serious mental health condition.
We are receiving a number of submissions from organisations and individuals and all these will be taken into account in our final report. We want to hear from everyone who has an opinion on schizophrenia and psychosis. We are keen to hear the views of people who feel the diagnosis was unhelpful in their recovery, those where labels feel oppressive and discriminatory as well as those who feel that the diagnosis and treatment and support that followed were the starting point for their recovery. We are also keen to hear from practitioners and researchers in the health and social care community . Our final report will include a clear statement of the views received on different issues”.
Get your voice heard
If you would like to fill in their survey and express your experiences and opinions, please click here: www.schizophreniacommission.org.uk/gathering-information-using-surveys/
