It was at this time that a friend introduced me to Dr. Hoffer. On my first visit I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Three weeks, five books and two "Our Club Outreach" worker visits later, I was convinced he was 'dead on'. Reading about schizophrenia was like reading my own journal.

My husband and I were flabbergasted that this had not been recognized before. Dr. Hoffer started me on a drug called Etrafon D (two before bed) and of course, the orthomolecular treatment: sugar free diet, niacin and vitamin C. I felt so good after two weeks that I quit the program, believing my system had finally 'kicked in'. I relapsed severely.

When my husband expressed his refusal to live with my psychotic behavior, I found my incentive to pursue effective treatment. I immediately started on the vitamins and Etrafon D and a week later, after further study, began an elimination diet (October, 1995). I have been well since then, except for three brief psychotic periods, two after eating chocolate and another at the time of a flu virus.

I am certain of what has treated me. It is both the elimination of allergens plus the vitamins themselves. (I stopped the drug Oct. 1995.) I am, for the first time since my preteens, relaxed, calm, stable and energetic. I am able to concentrate, converse and read without a "second brain's" interference. I am no longer forced to rely on a day planner to remind me to eat, to bathe, to sleep, to rise. I do at times continue to experience some physical symptoms of ill health. I believe these to be allergy or yeast related and am confident Dr. Hoffer and I will resolve this with further orthomolecular treatment.

Presently I am doing volunteer work and pursuing paid employment in the health care field. My husband and I are in the process of implementing our shared long term goal of relocation to Latin America, where we hope to live, work and volunteer. I am ecstatic to report the positive results of orthomolecular treatment in my case. I know orthomolecular treatment to be essential in not only providing effective remedy to various forms of disease, but in rekindling hope, focus and determination where there may be none. Orthomolecular treatment does insist that an ill person exercises patience, discipline and consistency, but based on my experience I feel I can definitely assert that it is well worth the effort."

December, 1995. I am visiting with my family. My mum, who was appalled at the sight and observation of me in August, has written to my brother that I am now "looking and feeling great." I'm already excited about getting back to Victoria to put my work plans to the test in January, but it's so good to be here again, actually able to enjoy friendships again for the first time in a year and a half. Thanks for all your help and encouragement. Not only am I well, I am thrilled with the prospects of helping others effectively as a direct result of my own experience. Thank you for the option of health.

Ms. J.M.

1, A pseudonym
2. 3A-2727 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T-4E5

1. An antifungal medication used to treat Candida infections.
2. A low dose tranquilizer
3. A combination of an antidepressant, Amitryptiline 25 mg and a tranquilizer, Perphenazine 2 mg.
4. Hoffer A, Kelm H & Osmond H: The Hoffer-Osmond Diagnostic test. RE Krieger Pub Co. Huntington, New York, 1975.Test kit available from Behavior Science Press, 3710 Resource Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-7059. A software program is available from Soft Tac Enterprises, 1181 Union Rd., Victoria, Canada V8P 2J2, (604) 384-0342.