The Schizophrenia Society of Canada Supports Appropriate Treatment of Inmates Living with a Mental Illness

A November 5th news release from the Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Nov. 5, 2009) - The Schizophrenia Society of Canada ("SSC") welcomes the 2008/09 Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator ("OCI") tabled November 2, 2009 in Parliament. Commenting on the Report, SSC President Jim Adamson says: "It is commendable and most appropriate that four of the 19 key recommendations address the treatment and support of inmates who live with a mental illness within Canada's federal prison system."

According to the OCI Annual Report, mental health services in federal penitentiaries are woefully deficient. Across the country, prisoners are denied treatment because of a shortage of clinical staff and inadequate mental health facilities for the prison population. The Schizophrenia Society of Canada along with its provincial schizophrenia societies has maintained that the treatment and support of inmates who are mentally ill in Canadian prisons is sub-standard, and sometimes almost non-existent.

Howard Sapers, Correctional Investigator of Canada says in his annual report: "Federal correctional mental health care services are under extreme duress - there are deficiencies in terms of capacity, quality, standards and responsiveness of care. Criminalizing and then warehousing the mentally ill burdens our justice system and does nothing to improve public safety. The demands in this area of corrections are increasing dramatically; the unmet needs are immediate and troubling. The overall situation of offenders with mental health disorders has not significantly improved since my Office first reported on this troubling situation back in 2004."

The prevalence of offenders with significant mental health issues upon admission has doubled in the past five years. Eleven percent of federal offenders have a significant mental health diagnosis and over 20% are taking a prescribed medication for a psychiatric condition; just over 6% were receiving outpatient services prior to admission. (1)

The Correctional Investigator's report highlights the seriousness of the conclusion that our prisons have become warehouses for the mentally ill. Over the past three decades Canada has moved toward a community and outpatient system of "de-institutionalizing" the mentally ill from provincial facilities, to "re-institutionalizing" them as prisoners.

"Criminalization of those with mental illness is unethical. If these inmates do not receive hospital-standard psychiatric care, their chances of rehabilitation are extremely low and their risk of re-offending remains high. Allowing inmates to go without comprehensive treatment services for their mental illness is a failure of the Correctional Service to address mental health needs of offenders on many levels," says Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.

(1) Public Safety Canada, Corrections and Conditional Release Statistical Overview: Annual Report 2008, December 2008.


For more information, please contact:

Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Chris Summerville
Chief Executive Officer
Office: (204) 786-1616 or Mobile: (204) 223-9158

Also see:

Report: Prisoners lack mental health support

Mental Health Commission of Canada responds on Correctional Investigator's Report

Latest treatment for schizophrenia offers needed additional option to fight difficult-to-treat disease

An October 6th press release from Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada:

ABILIFY(TM) now available in Canada with several benefits: efficacy, good safety, tolerability and neutral impact on weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

MONTREAL, Oct. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - A new treatment option for Canadians with schizophrenia, ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole), is now available in Canada. For those living with this lifelong disease who may be struggling with a treatment that doesn't work for them or with side effects that are difficult to tolerate, ABILIFY offers efficacy and good safety and tolerability with limited impact on weight, blood sugar and lipids - significant clinical benefits that may help patients stay on treatment longer.

"Schizophrenia is a complex disease that is often challenging to treat. As a physician, the main challenge I face is that patients stop taking their medications and relapse," said Dr. Ruth Baruch, psychiatrist and director of the community program at Toronto East General Hospital. "Weight gain is particularly important. Two thirds of patients will stop taking their medication because of weight gain. Numerous studies have indicated that ABILIFY has the advantage of causing fewer long-term side effects such as lower weight gain and less increase in cholesterol. Where I think this will translate in the real world is improving adherence and patients will be more likely to stay on medication in the long-term."

Schizophrenia is a lifelong disease and treatment plays an important role in its management. ABILIFY is the latest medication in Canada to treat schizophrenia. It has not only been shown to improve day-to-day functioning and lessen social withdrawal, clinical studies show it does so with less impact on patient weight or other metabolic factors such as cholesterol, lipids and blood sugar levels. ABILIFY is effective in improving a range of so-called "positive" symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, as well as the "negative" symptoms of the disease, such as lack of motivation and emotional withdrawal, that prevent many people with schizophrenia from leading full and fulfilling lives.

One person who knows the immense burden schizophrenia puts on those directly affected by it is Brian Good of Oakville, Ontario. His brother, Eric, was struck with the devastating disease when he was in his early 20s and at university, primed to advance in education and his adult life. Brian remembers what it was like growing up. "My brother's behaviour at home was very disruptive. He would cycle between not being on medication and do strange things like hitchhike across the country," said Brian. "I lost a brother and my children lost an uncle. If there had been better treatment options back then, our family might be very different." Now in his 50s, Eric lives in a group home in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada believes that patient access to new treatment advances is critical to making it possible for people with schizophrenia to control their illness and improve their quality of life. "Schizophrenia is treatable and recovery of a quality of life is possible. There can never be too many treatments options for schizophrenia," says Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. "Given the complexity of schizophrenia and psychosis, the challenges people face in recovering and finding the right medication that supports the recovery process, it's vital for patients to have as many options available as possible. For this reason we believe all therapies approved by Health Canada should be made available to patients by all drug plans in Canada, public and private."

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, meaning it interferes with a person's ability to interpret what is real or not. It causes patients to have "positive" symptoms, including hearing voices and having hallucinations, and "negative" symptoms, such as emotional withdrawal and apathy. Symptoms vary widely among patients. An estimated 335,000 Canadians have schizophrenia, most diagnosed in their late teens or early adulthood. There is no cure and it is a lifelong disease. The primary goal of treatment is to provide relief of both positive and negative symptoms. With such control, people can live full and productive lives. Unfortunately, treatment discontinuation among patients with schizophrenia remains high at 40 to 50%. Because symptoms, individuals, and medications differ so greatly, there is always a need for new and effective treatment options.

About ABILIFY(TM)

ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole) is a new treatment in the class of atypical antipsychotic medications, available by prescription only. It has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders in adults. It is also indicated for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder in adults, alone or in combination with lithium or divalproex sodium.

ABILIFY is the first and only dopamine and serotonin partial agonist. It acts in specific areas of the brain where levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are too high or too low and appears to balance the levels of these chemicals.

ABILIFY has undergone a rigorous clinical development program and has been evaluated for safety in 13,543 adult patients.

About The Schizophrenia Society of Canada

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC), founded in 1979, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research. The Society works with 10 provincial societies in a federation model to: raise awareness and educate the public in order to reduce stigma and discrimination; support families and individuals; advocate for legislative change; and support research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada

Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, a global pharmaceutical and related health care products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada is a leading provider of medicines to fight cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS), nervous system diseases and serious mental illness. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the BMY symbol (NYSE:BMY). Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada's operations are headquartered in Montréal, Québec.

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(TM)ABILIFY is a trademark of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. used under license by Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada.

For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Marc Osborne, Director, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, (514) 333-2463, marc.osborne@bms.com, or

Ethan Pigott, Hill & Knowlton, (416) 413-4744, ethan.pigott@hillandknowlton.ca

Note: ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole) is not yet listed in the Nova Scotia Drug Formulary. If you would like to have ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole) added to the Nova Scotia Drug Formulary, please contact your MLA.

Your Recovery Journey: Train-the-Trainer Workshop

On September 15th, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia held a full-day train-the-trainer workshop for the Schizophrenia Society of Canada’s new and innovative program, Your Recovery Journey. The training introduced participants to a five-session peer-support program focusing on recovery from mental illness. The Your Recovery Journey program builds on the premise that there is hope, that people with mental illness can get well, stay well for long periods of time, and do the things they want to do with their lives.

The program is designed to be co-facilitated by people who themselves have experience with mental illness and have also experienced recovery in their own lives. Collaboration with a recovery-oriented service provider or a family member is also an option to consider for delivery of the Your Recovery Journey program.

The train-the-trainer workshop was led by Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, and covered the content of the program, as well as providing helpful information and tips about bringing the program to life into the participant's communities.


Chris Summerville leading the Your Recovery Journey Train-the-Trainer Workshop in Halifax on October 15th.


A total of 39 participants attended the Your Recovery Journey Train-the-Trainer Workshop (a full house). In addition to those from HRM, participants from Kentville, Truro, Windsor, and Yarmouth were also in attendance.


Participants watch one of the videos provided as content in the Your Recovery Journey program.

Please click on any photograph to magnify it.

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia will be delivering Your Recovery Journey in Halifax beginning in mid-October 2009. Please contact Laura Burke at 465-2601, 1-800-465-2601 (toll-free in Nova Scotia) or ssns@ns.sympatico.ca for further information.

Photographs by Stephen Ayer.

Cannibis smokers have a seven-fold schizophrenia risk

Harper government devotes funds to studying the link between marijuana use and mental illness

An article published in yesterday's edition of The Toronto Star:

WINNIPEG – The Harper government is putting up $550,000 to gather research on marijuana use and mental illness.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada will use the money to further research the links between cannabis and early psychosis as well as develop promotional materials warning youth about the dangers of smoking pot.

The money is part of Ottawa's $30 million national anti-drug strategy announced in 2007.

Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society, said the public doesn't realize that cannabis users have a seven-fold increase in risk of developing schizophrenia.

He pointed to recent research out of Victoria, B.C., linking pot smoking and mental illness.

As part of the society's research, some 30 youths who have experienced psychosis will be trained to gather information about the reasons their peers use cannabis.

The results will be used to develop educational materials aimed at decreasing the use of illicit drugs among young people.

Winnipeg Conservative MP Joy Smith said Tuesday that while the public regards marijuana as a soft drug, there may be very serious consequences for young pot smokers who have a predisposition to mental illness.

"Science has shown that cannabis may actually trigger the onset of psychosis and may also intensify the symptoms for those who already have a psychotic illness," Smith said in announcing the grant.

"It has been suggested that up to 80 per cent of youth who have had a psychotic episode were using cannabis. And that's pretty shocking," said Smith, who was filling in for Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq at news conference.

Photograph by Rotbuche.

Canada-Wide Survey Addresses Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Canadians Living with Mental Illness…

A press release from the Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

(Winnipeg, May 4, 2009) – Mental illness can be a devastating illness for anyone; however, it is especially difficult for young adults as it often disrupts their education, career plans and the raising of a young family. The symptoms of psychosis can confuse the mind, disorient perceptions, and unsettle important relationships with family and friends. But there is hope, schizophrenia and psychosis are treatable and recovery of quality of life is possible when people are able to find the right path to open up options for treatment, support and hope.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SCC) recently commissioned a Canada-wide survey to learn how it can support people living with schizophrenia and their families to recover the best quality of life possible. Through a qualitative and quantitative survey and cross Canada focus groups, 1,086 people who have experienced mental illness shared what quality of life means to them. The results revealed that people living with schizophrenia and their families share similar hopes and frustrations regarding their quality of life.

This extensive survey, the largest of its kind in North America, highlighted certain key areas in which quality of life can be improved for people living with a mental illness:

Hope, optimism and a belief in recovery are critical to improving the quality of life for people affected by schizophrenia and related mental health disorders. While 96% of people living with mental illness believe recovery is possible, families sometimes lose optimism in the face of illness and don’t always believe that professionals think recovery is possible.

Friendships and family support are foundational. Symptoms of psychosis can unsettle important relationships with family and friends and contribute to isolation and loneliness. The support of friends and family is essential to recovery, employment and greatly improves quality of life.

Stigma and discrimination are real barriers to quality of life. Approximately 90% of adults with serious mental illness are unemployed. Studies show that many of them want to work and many can work. However, the lack of rehabilitation programs and the prevalence of discrimination prevent them from finding meaningful employment. Poverty is the unfortunate outcome. Canadians living with mental illness also felt that treatment and support services are severely under funded.

Medications and services can foster recovery. While medications are important, most people feel their family and professionals place far too much focus on medication adherence and not enough on what supports recovery and builds their quality of life.

Family/caregivers need to find balance too. Families often carry a heavy burden, as a result the mental, emotions and physical health of the entire family can suffer. Having professional support, learning more about schizophrenia and understanding what supports recovery would help families cope.

Overall, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada’s national survey recommends encouraging professionals to move beyond a narrow focus on managing symptoms to supporting and nurturing recovery from a body, mind and spirit perspective. Stigma and discrimination also need to be addressed through education, public policies and promotion of rights. As well, funding of safe, affordable, secure housing needs to become a priority as does meaningful employment.

Full study report and summary data are available on the SSC website at www.schizophrenia.ca.

Please contact:

Chris Summerville - Chief Executive Officer, Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Office: (204) 786-1616, Mobile: (204) 223-9158

Families helping families

An October 9th news release from SANE Australia:

SANE Australia today launches a new DVD that offers first-hand insight on dealing with mental illness in your family.

For Jo Buchanan, her family have been her greatest teachers. From helping her sister following a diagnosis of schizophrenia to becoming a carer for her son Miles when he discovered he had bipolar disorder, Jo has discovered many things.

One of the main things she learnt and is keen to pass on to others is the importance of learning how to cope.

‘When my sister first showed signs of schizophrenia, I had no idea what was happening as I had to deal with it alone. When Miles became unwell, I was able to recognise the symptoms, which meant I could find help from the right people immediately,’ Jo said.

‘Education and information about mental illness are so helpful when it comes to working out how to cope with the many changes it brings in a family’s life.’

Jo and Miles have joined others in sharing their experiences on a 30-minute DVD produced by SANE Australia in partnership with highly regarded production company RealTime Health.

The DVD is part of a kit, which includes the SANE Guide to Families ¬– offering practical advice on how to cope with the impact mental illness can have on a family. On the DVD, Jo talks about the challenges she’s faced as a carer and the many ways they have helped her to grow.

‘Through my experience as a carer, I have accessed strengths I didn’t know existed; strengths developed through surviving circumstances for which I was totally unprepared and untrained. I have learned about courage, hope, faith and humility,’ she said.

SANE Australia’s Paul Morgan says the Families DVD and guide are invaluable tools in helping families learn more about mental illness from people with first-hand experience.

‘Around one in five Australians will experience a mental illness at some time, and for every one of those there will be a ‘ripple effect’ on family and friends. Hearing from people who deal with mental illness on a daily basis can help those in similar situations,’ Dr Morgan said.

Tips from the DVD kit include:

• Coming to terms with caring for someone with a mental illness

• Finding support options for the whole family

• Learning skills

• Planning for the future

The Families and Mental Illness DVD Kit is available from SANE Australia, as well as many other resources on mental illness. Visit www.sane.org or phone the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).

To arrange an interview with Paul Morgan or Jo Buchanan, contact Cathy Heycock on 03) 9682 5933 or 0414 427 291.

Thanks go to Chris Summerville for bringing this news release to my attention.

Self-disclosure and Its Impact on Individuals Who Receive Mental Health Services

From an unknown source:

The stigma associated with mental illness is one of the most persistent problems people face. It is fundamental to discrimination in housing, employment, and health insurance. It prevents treatment, and it impedes recovery.

Self-disclosure and Its Impact on Individuals Who Receive Mental Health Services , developed by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), examines the role self-disclosure plays in reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. Research has shown that public attitudes about mental illness improve when people have contact, or interactions, with people with mental illnesses.

This monograph examines current literature related to self-disclosure and provides the findings from a series of key informant interviews to examine the factors that promote or hinder self-disclosure.

Download a free copy by clicking here.

Thanks go to Chris Summerville for bringing this publication to my attention.