Patient Stories

Research Volunteer Runs to Support the Schizophrenia Research

27 year old graphic designer Kathleen was diagnosed with schizophrenia in April 2008 - which came as a shock to her and her husband. Luckily the medication has worked well, and after researching the disease on the Institute's website, she decided to join the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank to be part of Australia's largest brain project.

Being part of the research was important to Kathleen. "Research conducted now will bring better treatments in the future for me, and even the children I'd like to have", she said.

As well as helping with our research, Kathleen took her support one step further and raised over $840 for the Schizophrenia Research Institute via her participation in the 2009 City2Surf. "I did it for everyone who suffers from this illness. I know what it's like because I've lived it too, and I feel that because I am lucky enough to function so well, this gives me a chance to make a difference....and the idea of walking for a purpose - to raise money for schizophrenia research - seemed like a very exciting thing to do."

Help Them Help Us

As a person with schizoaffective disorder for 37 years I still wonder why I have this disease. Do you wonder too? Do you wonder if the future holds the knowledge that would bring the relief of easier treatments, even possibly a cure?

The researchers at the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank also wonder - and work towards the knowledge that will give us the answers. They need us to do their research. Without us they will not find the answers to these questions. If you like, you can participate in their research.

As a participant in seven studies in the last 12 years, I believe I have contributed to this search. This gives me some degree of satisfaction. I hope that one day, just like the day penicillin was discovered, we will all be able to look back and see how the world, our world and our children's world, has changed for the better. In all the studies I have been involved in, I have been treated with respect, sensitivity and confidentiality. I have been encouraged to express any concerns I might have had, and the responses have always been open. At any time I could have withdrawn from any project, but I have never felt the need to do so. Also I believe I have had no ill effects from my participation.

Please consider participating in the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. I hope you will be able to join in, and to help them help us.

Anne Oughton