SIR: The Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain has been awarded a grant by the National Lottery Charities Board (UK) to increase awareness about the problems of schizophrenia.

As the brain chemistry is affected by the disease process in schizophrenia, thought, behaviour and emotions are altered. When someone's personality is altered by disease, we have to accept that it is no-one's fault. No blame should be cast on the patient or his family.

In addition to the main symptoms, (hallucinations, delusions and thought disorder) of schizophrenia by which it is diagnosed and which do not always develop, there may be, in the very early stages, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, aggression, violence and unprovoked anger and suspicion.

We, at SAGB, view schizophrenia as a disease caused by one of more genetic factors which appear to produce a vulnerability to a number of bodily diseases (cardiovascular disease, digestive disease, hormonal disease and infections) at a higher rate than in the general population. If these diseases were sought, found and treated at an early stage in their development, the psychiatric symptoms might be cured also.

We have a free information pack available for anyone interested. Write to us or ring if you would like one - Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain, Bryn Hyfryd, The Crescent, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2AG. Telephone and fax 01248 354048.

Gwynneth Hemmings

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