I just heard a segment on NPR about an organization that helps people who hear voices in their heads to live and cope without being drugged (with the caveat that SOME people can only function if drugged). It begins by not calling them schizophrenics, but 'voice hearers'.
Several months ago, I asked world-renowned Houston neuroscientist and author David Eagleman about the possibility of dealing with people who hear voices as though there might be some meaning and something to be gained from what they're hearing. He barely let me finish my question before he snapped my head off and informed me in no uncertain terms that these people are sick and have to be drugged so they can live decent lives.
I don't suppose there's any need to send him this link, but if you or anyone you know might be interested: Hearing Voices Network
Wikipedia says this about the 'Hearing Voices Movement': "Hearing Voices Movement is a philosophical trend in how people who hear voices are viewed. It was begun by Marius Romme, a professor of social psychiatry at the University of Limburg in Maastricht, the Netherlands; and Sandra Escher, a science journalist, who began this work after being challenged by a voice hearer as to why they could not accept the reality of her voice hearing experience."
Thank goodness Ms. Escher and Dr. Romme did not have Dr. Eagleman's superior knowledge.
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