POLICY & REFORM
OUR GOALS
Build a coalition of thought leaders in the areas of psychiatric science, mental health policy, and neuroethics who are committed to pushing a systems change agenda and who are ready to support our collective calls to action. ICONN’s global convenings, both in person and virtually, will help us learn together and unify our message that current conditions for individuals living with psychotic disease are intolerable and inhumane.
Lead an international research agenda to improve functional outcomes for people living with schizophrenia. Data informs policy and policy drives outcomes. Common outcomes of psychotic illness currently include homelessness, arrest, incarceration, forensic institutionalization, suicide, substance misuse and premature death in many countries. Research will focus on these outcomes. The research lens is informed by concepts of neuroethics, human dignity, existential meaning, and quality of life.
Create a global community of practice to build scientifically supported models of care utilizing virtual learning and communication technology. All other medical conditions have models of care that target primary symptoms as well as ancillary needs. The approach to schizophrenia should align with other neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. Schizophrenia is now a highly treatable disease. Multiple studies show the negative effects of long durations of untreated psychosis on the human brain. Withholding medically necessary treatment causes brain damage.
Disseminate information in the service of advocacy through policy statements, editorials, amicus briefs, podcasts and formal academic work. In 2025 ICONN will publish a textbook through Cambridge University Press exploring the ethical and clinical complexities in treating schizophrenia. This manuscript will provide the scientific and neuroethical foundation for ICONN’s policy positions. Multilingual Webinars will be offered to create community and educate peers, practitioners, service providers, first responders and others.
PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS ARE NOT A CRIME
Sample Statistics from the United States
The indirect and direct annual costs of schizophrenia have been estimated at 343.2 billion in the United States alone. The country spends 85 billion dollars annually on incarceration.
The estimated average potential life lost for individuals with schizophrenia in the U.S. is 28.5 years.
While people with Schizophrenia make up only 1% of overall population, they make up:
20-30% of homeless population
15% of state prison population
24% of jail population
