Online schizophrenia resources
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* Michael OReilly

Schizophrenia affects nearly 300 000 Canadians, or almost 1% of the population, but Tony Cerenzia, president of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, says it remains one of the most widely misunderstood and feared illnesses. “The lingering stigma associated with schizophrenia too often results in discrimination and, consequently, reluctance to seek appropriate treatment,” he says.

![Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/166/8/1079.2/F1.medium.gif)

[Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/166/8/1079.2/F1)

Figure. 

The Internet is providing new ways to help break down some of the barriers facing these patients. One of the primary online sources of information is the Schizophrenia Society of Canada's own site ([www.schizophrenia.ca](http://www.schizophrenia.ca)), which offers resources for both the patient and professional, including access to various reports, studies and tools.

There is an impressive list of vetted resources, along with a collection of contacts for FPs who treat schizophrenic patients. It includes names, telephone numbers and email addresses of people who are available to help manage patients with schizophrenia and related disorders across the country.

Another useful Canadian resource is Internet Mental Health ([www.mentalhealth.com](http://www.mentalhealth.com)), which is run by Vancouver-based psychiatrist Phillip Long. It provides information for patients, caregivers and health care professionals on a wide range of disorders, including schizophrenia. 

For those recently diagnosed with the illness, a good place to start is the US National Institute of Mental Health's site ([www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizoph.htm](http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizoph.htm)), which has a general introduction to the disease that is suitable for lay people.

Finally, the CMA offers online resources for physicians and other health care providers. The *Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience* ([www.cma.ca/jpn](http://www.cma.ca/jpn)), published by the CMA, includes links to recent articles and research abstracts dealing with the treatment of schizophrenia. — *Michael OReilly*, [mike@oreilly.net](http://mike@oreilly.net)