The opinion piece suggested that by focusing on the biologic basis for mental illness, we absolve people with mental illness from taking responsibility for their conditions, or their recovery. Nothing could be further from the truth. Competent mental health professionals do not encourage patients to be passive victims. The most important concept that public mental health officials promote is that of recovery. We empower the patient to play an active role in the control of his or her mental illness.
Medication is often a key component of treatment.
However, various forms of psychotherapy are also used. This helps the patients understand and deal with any environmental factors that may be adding stress to their lives and worsening their illness. When a patient on medication relapses, the first thing mental health professionals investigate is whether this is caused by a change in the person's neurochemical status alone, or if a stressful life event has played a role. Often both factors are involved. The clinician then works with the patient to alter medications or deal with the problems.