In the June 2018 newsletter from SARDAA there is this:
“SARDAA is working to change the paradigm of how we treat people living with neuro-psychiatric brain illnesses. Our white paper has been submitted to the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) and we have advocates in high places on the committee to present and support our efforts to reclassify schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We have also submitted a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding changes to the ICD-11.
“What difference does it make to reclassify? If you or your loved one has become involved with the criminal justice system due to behavior stemming from neurological brain symptoms you likely realize that the legal system regards schizophrenia as a psychological disorder and disregards the fact that schizophrenia is a neurological brain illness that requires TREATMENT not incarceration. Incarceration delays treatment, increases stress, and isolation magnifies psychosis, all leading to further decompensation and acute illness. That is only one reason, there are many others: comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment, increased access to hospital beds, treatment instead of incarceration, true parity, increased research, social change as clinicians, patients and family receive respect and dignity and with appropriate treatment individuals will have the opportunity for fruitful lives.
“Please, be sure to contact your representatives in Washington, D.C. The Hearing Voices of Support Psychosis: Changing Perceptions Through Art & Science experiential exhibit will be there for them to experience on June 27, 28 and 29, 2018 in The Rayburn Office Building Foyer. Help us change their perception of psychosis, the people affected and the value of research and treatment. This is an unprecedented opportunity, help us reach as many decision makers as possible. Participants can take as much time as they can spare, even 5 minutes will be effective. But they will stay longer to visit all of the cones and take time to talk with diagnosed individuals, family members and clinicians. The Neurological Legislative Briefing is on June 28 at Noon in Rayburn 2103 and requires a RSVP: sardaabriefing@gmail.com. “
For more information, write to info@sardaa.org.