On October 20, 2015, an article appeared in the New York Times called “New Approach Advised to Treat Schizophrenia.” The article summarizes results from an NIH-funded study, the results of which were published in the official journal of the American Psychiatric Association: The American Journal of Psychiatry. The lead author Dr. John Kane said:

“Schizophrenia patients who received a program intended to keep dosages of antipsychotic medication as low as possible and emphasize one-on-one talk therapy and family support made greater strides in recovery over the first two years of treatment than patients who got the usual drug-focused care.”

In my opinion, the findings in this article should come as no surprise, and perhaps even as common sense. Medications are the indispensable foundation for treating psychosis, but once a patient’s normal brain functions are restored, what’s next?

Prior to receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia and beginning antipsychotic medications, I was homeless for four years. Before my hallucinations and delusions drove me from a successful college career to homelessness, I had been an author on three scientific research articles in prominent journals. My schizophrenia prevented me from studying or working, and even reading, because the voices would become much louder whenever I tried to read. After being homeless for a while, I came to accept that I would always be spending my days wandering on the streets or in the park, and that I would sleep at night on concrete slabs outdoors under the night sky. I no longer had any dreams or goals except for foraging in the park’s garbage cans for enough food every day, and trying to be invisible outside at night.

When I began a medication that cleared my mind, I still had no dreams or goals. It was my parents who first suggested that I return college, and then my doctor. My psychiatrist met with me for many hours, not only educating me about what schizophrenia is and checking my symptoms and medications side effects, but also discussing my life, infusing me with self-confidence by reminding me of my successful years in college when I was scoring high grades, doing research in molecular biology, and serving as concertmaster of my university’s community orchestra. Because of countless hours of this talk therapy, and support from others who cared about me, I became convinced to stay on my medication and try college again. A couple years later, I completed my molecular biology B.S. degree with honors (GPA of 3.84). I learned that life does not always turn out as we expect, but we need to never stop dreaming. My psychiatrist encouraged me to write a book about my recovery as a goal and within two years, my book was published in June 2014 which I titled “Mind Estranged.” It was very therapeutic to write this book, and I continued to receive both medications and talk therapy (sometimes by email) regularly throughout that time. My psychiatrist also arranged for me to have a part-time volunteering position with his research team which also helped me feel productive and competent.

Unfortunately, many patients who suffer from schizophrenia like I did are not encouraged to dream again. Without a caring doctor, family, or other support, patients often give up and go off the medications they badly need. Psychiatric medications are less effective when they are discontinued and then restarted after the re-emergence of psychosis. This means that patients will need higher dosages with each relapse caused by failing to adhere with the antipsychotic medications.  Their functioning deteriorates after multiple relapses, leading to disability, and their prognosis worsens.

Talk therapy is especially important for people who have a tendency to isolate themselves, which is very common with several serious psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Having compassionate people in your life who care about you and dare you to dream will give anyone a chance for a better life.