One of the most difficult obstacles to successfully treating schizophrenia is the person's lack of insight (called anosognosia). It is beyond denial. A person genuinely believes that nothing is wrong with their mind. It is similar to a person who has just had a stroke believing he is not paralyzed in one of his legs, when actually he cannot move properly, let alone walk again.

For those who continually refuse medication and are too ill with psychosis to have insight, I think one of the best programs available in the United States is Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT).

When people look at me today, I think they see someone who is confident and successful. Running a nonprofit foundation that supports families struggling to support a loved one’s schizophrenia is my occupation. My organization also educates the general public that schizophrenia is a physical illness of the brain that can be treated effectively with modern medicine, and there should be no hesitation to ask for help. I dress like a business professional. I enjoy frequenting coffee shops. My apartment, a block from the University of Cincinnati, is my refuge, and I enjoy inviting friends over for homemade French toast or a salad.

Perhaps the fulfilling and healthy life I live today is nothing short of a miracle.

My life was hopeless prior to my full recovery from schizophrenia, thanks to an underutilized antipsychotic medication called clozapine. I had dropped out of college and was scrounging around for food from garbage

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