Mental illnesses like schizophrenia are not understood. There is little knowledge and few options for treatment. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which alters the way a person perceives this world or its aspects. This illness makes it difficult for the person who has the disease to know the difference between the real and the unreal, or have a clear understanding of reality. They have a hard time establishing a relationship with various things of the world.

Schizophrenia affects the person’s perception to such an extent that a person suffering from it does not know the difference between what is imaginary and what is truly existent. It leads to false beliefs, hallucinations, auditory misconceptions, anger, frustration, confusion, disturbed thoughts, inaction, extreme emotional disturbances, a deep sense of social isolation, and biased sense perception.

American society and Western protocols in general are not giving these individuals a chance. The family is devastated by the debilitation of their loved ones and especially when the illness results in suicide attempts or worse, suicide.

There is a tremendous cost to society. The vicious cycle of the disease causes homelessness, drug use, alcoholism, disruption to family life and there is little understanding of those with the disease.

“The overall U.S. 2002 cost of schizophrenia was estimated to be $62.7 billion, with $22.7 billion excess direct health care cost ($7.0 billion out-patient, $5.0 billion drugs, $2.8 billion inpatient, $8.0 billion long-term care). (source: Analysis Group, Inc.)”

This film describes an alternative treatment for schizophrenia called the BEAM Procedure and its development; its results in the words of the doctors who developed and do the treatment; and the patients who have received the treatment. They are the real spokespersons for this new medicine and psychiatry of the 21^st century.

A Life Worth Living – Schizophrenia Alternative Treatment