I am an intern at an inpatient psychiatric unit. I do group therapy with adults who have psychotic illnesses. I can assure you if you spent time with 15 people in one room, all of who have some level of psychoses, many of whom are actively psychotic, you would change your opinion of this illness, particularly its treatment course. I adore what I do... but it is very sad to see patients come back into the hospital repeatedly, due to not taking their medications. While many of the medications do have nasty side effects, I have also been fortunate enough to witness what a positive change can occur for indivduals who find the right medication, combined with a healthy lifestyle. WIth an illness that is biological in nature, medication is the answer, even before the lifestyle. You can't possibly lead a positive, healthy lifestyle when experiencing psychotic symptoms. They are not going to go away by themselves.