When my brother Henry became ill with schizophrenia in 1981, I was taking an independent study on schizophrenia in college and reading about how “schizophrenogenic mothers” “cause” schizophrenia. Then I read an article by Dr. E. Fuller Torrey about the biological basis for schizophrenia, and that it had nothing to do with “bad mothering.”
Dr. Fuller profoundly shifted my thinking from blaming my own mother for my brother’s illness; and his groundbreaking work transformed the field of schizophrenia globally — to an understanding that this was a neurobiological illness, and not one of personal or familial failing.
I was lucky enough to meet Fuller in 1990, and he took an immediate personal interest in me and my family’s story. Because that’s who Fuller is — a luminary who cares deeply about individuals.
Dr. Torrey personally shepherded and funded my very first study at a time when no one else was interested in my research. Without his support and encouragement, today’s understanding of anosognosia, or lack of insight, as a symptom of this brain disorder, rather than “denial,” might not exist.
Our contributions, big and small, support all the work of TAC and honor the vision of the man who has given so much to the lives of so many and to the field of severe mental illness.
Sincerely,
Dr. Xavier Amador
Chief Scientific Officer
Treatment Advocacy Center
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When my brother Henry became ill with schizophrenia in 1981, I was taking an independent study on schizophrenia in college and reading about how “schizophrenogenic mothers” “cause” schizophrenia. Then I read an article by Dr. E. Fuller Torrey about the biological basis for schizophrenia, and that it had nothing to do with “bad mothering.” 
