Can Biological and Psychological Intervention Be Integrated Into the Treatment of Psychosis? Probably Not

Clinical experience leads to the conclusion that schizophrenics and other psychotics can best be treated by psychoanalytic therapy without medication. So do research studies using competent therapists and control groups, such as Deikman and Whitaker (1979) and Karon and VandenBos (1981). The supposed necessity for biological treatments is based on the lack of appropriate psychotherapeutic training and the belief that medications are extremely effective. But current medications seem to interfere with full recovery. Medication can sometimes be used as a temporary adjunct, but should be withdrawn as quickly as the patients can tolerate. In the end, all we have to offer is understanding, but that is a great deal.