Research Proposal

Selim Kim
G/T Independent Research
2015
Title: Better Treatment, Better Adjustment: The Importance of Both Psychotic Treatment and
Medical Treatment for the Improvement of Mental and Functional Stability for
Schizophrenic Patients.
Overview of the Research
This research will address the medicinal and psychotic therapy on schizophrenic patients to
address which treatments are the best in order to rehabilitate schizophrenic patients back into society. I
will create the best treatment program for schizophrenics in order to subdue the schizophrenic symptom,
have a smooth transition back into society, and take medications with the least amount of side effects.
This program will be an organized guide for schizophrenics to successfully interact with the people
around them. I contacted neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and clinicians and discussed about different
medicinal treatments and psychotic therapies in order to see which treatments have the least side effects
and which psychotic treatments are most effective on schizophrenics and combine and add the treatments
to the program.
Background and History of the Issue
Mental illnesses are a common phenomenon all over the world. Countless studies for mental illnesses
have been executed in order to find various treatments regarding the different mental illnesses.
Schizophrenia, a mental illness, has been around for centuries which have been classified as a madness
before its first diagnosis in 1910 by a Swiss psychiatrist, Paul Eugen Bleuler. It is an untreatable
diagnosis; however, it is an illness that can be controlled and dealt with. There are medicinal treatments
and psychotic treatments which help control and deal with schizophrenia. The medicinal treatments which
help control the symptoms of schizophrenia have many negative side effects which cause functional and
fatal health defects such as diabetes. Because of the severities of the medications side effects, some
medications are banned from United States.
Schizophrenia and its symptoms have been a stumbling block for many patients to successfully
transition back into society. The illness which cannot be treated has to be dealt with. The medicinal
treatment only limits the symptoms but it does not assist or improve social behavior. However, psychotic
treatments help patients manage and cope with their stress, their mental illness, and learn how to interact
with others and the society, as well as discovering that their hallucinations, one of the symptoms which
schizophrenics have, are not real.
Problem Statement and Rationale:
When treating schizophrenics, many antipsychotic medicines have an endless list of side effects which
can be detrimental and threatening to the patient's health. The antipsychotic medicines are used only to
deter and diminish the symptoms of schizophrenia but it does not improve or help with regarding to social
skills. psychotic therapeutic treatments are also looked into for schizophrenic patients and their families.
More research is leaning towards the idea of rehabilitation through therapy and medicine with the least
side effects for schizophrenic patients.
Research Methodology
Research Question and Hypothesis
Which types of medical and psychiatric treatments are needed in order to successfully improve
the mental and functional stability for schizophrenics and allow them to smooth transition into the
society?

Cannabidiol can be used as a more safe alternative for the medicinal treatment in order to
improve the health and quality of life for schizophrenics.

Basis of Hypothesis
I set a direction on the hypothesis specifically on male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia
ranging from ages 15 and 25. Males are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia faster than
women which leads me to believe that if schizophrenia is found in the earlier onset stages, it will be easier
to treat or to deal with. I am interested in looking into specialists who interact with schizophrenic patients
from day to day basis, neuroscientists who analysis the different behaviors in schizophrenic patients, and
articles based on my hypothesis. The articles that I analyzed and the specialists and the neuroscientists
whom I interviewed supported the idea of having both psychotic treatment and medicinal treatment for
the improvement of mental and physical stability of schizophrenics.However, this is still a continuous
problem because many antipsychotic medications have many fatal side effects which can affect the
schizophrenics in many different facets. I am also looking into cannabis researchers. The controversial
drugs are introduced as a medication for many other medical conditions and there is a possibility that
cannabis can be a medication for schizophrenia.
Research Design
I will be conducting descriptive, qualitative research. I will use articles and interviews with
specialists, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists in the schizophrenia field in order to gather information. I
will also look into different pharmacies for medications and look into stories of schizophrenic patients
who were openly willing to share their experiences. My research is a combination of historical research
from looking into past academic journals from past observations about schizophrenia and cannabis.

Operational Definitions
Mental Stability: The mental stability I am referring to in my hypothesis is coping with the
symptoms of schizophrenia when the symptoms arise, interacting well with the people around
them, accepting their symptoms of hallucinations, accepting that they are different and asking for
help when needed, learning to concentrate on their work, and calmly and effectively going
through difficult situations whether they are problems in relationships with others or themselves.
All of these factors can lead to mental stability.
Functional Stability: the ability to perform all tasks with little or no help, moving their body
properly without assistance, and doing their daily basis jobs with little to no help.

Product Overview
I will be making a powerpoint presentation in order to spread awareness and how the treatment
plan which I propose will successfully work on schizophrenics. The intended audience will be to the
general public. I will be able to reach out to the audience through a presentation.
Logistical Considerations
I will need to reach out to students within Howard. I will have to overcome the nervousness and
challenges of speaking in front of a class and talk about my project. I will have to have a permission from
a teacher to take time from a class.