Strategies for Managing Psychosis with Small Amounts or no Medication: A Proof of Concept Paper

Abstract

Introduction

Some patients with the diagnosis of a psychotic disorder wish to minimize or avoid medications.

Methods

We report qualitative and quantitative data on a group of patients as a proof of concept study–that management with minimal or no medication is possible.

Patients

A series of 60 adult patients presented with psychosis and engaged with us in dialogical psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle management over at least six months in an effort to minimize or eliminate medication. An additional 209 patients presented for treatment but did not continue for six months. An anonymous, matched comparison group of 60 patients of the same age, socio-economic status, diagnosis, and severity of illness was generated from the electronic health records at another large clinic where one of us also worked (LMM). We quantifed symptom level using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, two depression rating scales, the Clinical Global Inventory, and the Revised Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale. Narrative interviews of all 269 patients generated qualitative data.

Results

Thirty-nine patients managed well without medication; 16 managed well on low-dose medication. Four individuals required progressively higher levels of medication and one decompensated. The overall cost-benefit was favorable in creating fewer hospitalization, crises, and diminished suicidality.

Conclusions

The results suggest the need for individualized approaches that are client-centered and build upon the previous successes of the person, enroll family and friends in a community effort, and collaborate with those communities to apply those approaches desired by the people themselves.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.