Lost time, found hope and sorrow: the search for self, connection, and purpose during "awakenings" on the new antipsychotics

Harv Rev Psychiatry. 1997 Nov-Dec;5(4):227-33. doi: 10.3109/10673229709000305.

Abstract

The novel antipsychotic medications clozapine and olanzapine provide well-documented clinical improvement for some patients with psychosis. We interviewed 15 patients with chronic psychosis who demonstrated significant improvement on these new medications and offer a conceptual framework to organize their narratives. In our conceptual model, our patients' descriptions are divided into three broad areas: sense of self, sense of connection, and sense of purpose. We also highlight the opportunities for psychotherapy with this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Clozapine / pharmacology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Olanzapine
  • Pirenzepine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Pirenzepine / therapeutic use
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Self Concept*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Pirenzepine
  • Clozapine
  • Olanzapine