Hey @amira_s

You’re already doing something incredibly powerful. Wanting support for someone with schizophrenia from a more functional or holistic angle already tells me they’re not alone, and that matters more than you think.

I don’t personally know a specialist in Dubai, but what I can give you is something to help you navigate your choice: a clear checklist of what to look for in the right expert. Schizophrenia is a condition where the wrong type of holistic practitioner can unintentionally make symptoms worse, so knowing what “good” looks like is essential.

Here’s what a safe and effective functional/holistic approach should include:

• A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who works integratively, meaning they stay in close collaboration with the prescribing doctor. Schizophrenia needs medical stability first. Any changes to medication must be slow, structured and medically supervised.

• Someone who actively screens for physical contributors that can worsen or mimic psychotic symptoms. A good clinician will check things like B12/folate status, thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, sleep patterns, inflammatory markers, nutrient deficiencies, and medication side effects. These are often missed, yet can significantly influence symptom severity.

• A practitioner who emphasizes nervous system stabilization before anything else. Predictable routines, good sleep hygiene, stress-reduction strategies, sensory regulation and grounding practices can make the brain far less reactive. This is psychological safety 101 for schizophrenia.

• Someone who speaks realistically and avoids miracle language. You want someone who talks about improving functioning, reducing symptom intensity, and strengthening resilience… not someone who claims to cure or “remove” schizophrenia. Grounded expectations are an important part of protective care.

• A therapist or psychiatrist who incorporates structured psychological support. Cognitive-behavioral approaches for psychosis, trauma-informed therapy and family involvement can all reduce relapse risk. This is where psychological support becomes as important as medication.

• A functional practitioner who uses lifestyle and nutrition as support, not as replacement. Things like omega-3s, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, stable blood sugar, movement, sunlight exposure and gut health assessment can be incredibly helpful, but only when integrated properly with medical care.

• Someone who involves the family or support system. Schizophrenia improves most when the environment becomes predictable, emotionally safe and well-coordinated.

• And finally, avoid any practitioner who discourages medication without a clear, collaborative, medically supervised plan. That is one of the biggest red flags in this field.

If you find a clinician in Dubai who meets most of these points, you likely found someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.

If you’d like, feel free to share a bit more about what this person is currently struggling with. Sometimes even small lifestyle adjustments can reduce agitation, improve sleep, or stabilize mood in a way that makes the rest of the care much more effective.

@amira_s we had another member who’s brother was having sudden schizophrenic episodes. Mold exposure was at play and often toxicity is a major root cause.

Please read though this thread:

https://bbettermembership.com/forums/discussion/11014941/

And if you search “schizophrenia” in the top search bar from desktop or “Annie”, you’ll see many other threads where we discuss how to support someone with schizophrenia and what types of tests to get.

I’ve also asked my colleagues in Dubai if anyone works with schizophrenia – I’ll get back to you if someone replies.