This is a great testimony (thanks for sharing) to the possibilities that exist for a decent life for persons with SZ, however, I do think that the possibility of extreme and bizarre behavior, including moving out of state, is very prevalent with SZ, especially if untreated or under-treated. It depends a lot on the personality of the person, but even more so on how the illness itself affects that person’s brain. Personalities of person’s with SMI can change dramatically if the illness is untreated. It is not unusual for those who are ON meds to discontinue them at some point and also for the illness to affect the person differently (as you mention “relapse”) over time.
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If things are going well I would not be in a hurry to reduce meds unless you have a reason to believe the person is getting too high of a dose or there are extremely undesirable side affects. But certainly, it is possible!
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Good points about being independent but also having a strong support system
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Another thought about meds. Many pharmacies now offer meds in bubble packs that separate the prescribed dose by DATE, DAY of the week, and A.M. vs. P.M. If a person misses a dose, it is obvious, either to them or to someone who can monitor the medication adherence. This can help with compliance.
(This does not take into account someone who deliberately throws away their medication.)