Can holistic approaches help people living with schizophrenia?

Holistic approaches play a supportive — not curative — role in schizophrenia management. Evidence supports: omega-3 supplementation as an adjunct (particularly EPA), therapeutic exercise for both physical and mental health, nutritional support to address metabolic effects of antipsychotic medications, and family psychoeducation. These should always operate alongside and never replace specialist psychiatric care and antipsychotic treatment.

What are the metabolic concerns with antipsychotic medications?

Many antipsychotic medications are associated with weight gain, elevated blood glucose, dyslipidaemia, and increased cardiovascular risk — sometimes collectively called metabolic syndrome. Regular monitoring of weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipids is essential. Nutritional therapy, physical activity, and lifestyle support can help manage these medication-related effects.

What support is available for families of people with schizophrenia?

Family psychoeducation — which provides information about schizophrenia, reduces expressed emotion, and improves communication — has strong evidence for reducing relapse rates. Carer support groups, respite services, and family therapy can all help. Carers also need to prioritise their own mental health and seek support for themselves.

Mental Healthelevated Risk

Schizophrenia

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Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher26 March 2026Research-supported

Quick answer

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition affecting perception, thought, and behaviour, requiring specialist psychiatric care. Holistic approaches — including nutritional support, stress reduction, somatic therapies, and family-centred care — are used as adjuncts to evidence-based medical treatment, never as replacements.

Do any of these feel familiar?

The experience of schizophrenia varies enormously between individuals and across phases of the condition
Many people describe hearing voices that feel entirely real — sometimes commenting, commanding, or having conversations
Some experience beliefs that feel absolutely certain but that others find bewildering
A sense of unreality, difficulty organising thoughts, and withdrawing from people who feel threatening or confusing is common
During quieter periods, many describe a flatness of emotion and motivation that feels like a kind of fog

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