Case Study 4 : Brad
(from a service user's perspective)
Synopsis
Brad is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which began with fear of persecution after visiting the USSR in 1991 and becoming involved in political protest. He has strong negative feelings about his treatment from staff at his Mental Health Trust, the lack of choice in terms of medication and being labelled a 'risk to society'. He feels his condition is widely misunderstood and involves much discrimination, but he has acted positively by seeking opportunities to offer hope and inspiration, and show a new and refreshing side to his illness.
Key choice message
Always offer 'hope and choice' with diagnosis. Both are of great importance in aiding the recovery of all sufferers of schizophrenia and severe mental illness.
