In December, ISPS UK Chair Jacqui Dillon hosted a lively discussion with Anders Sørensen about his book “Crossing Zero”, the art and science of coming off psychiatric drugs. Below is the recording of the event:
About the event and book:
Crossing Zero: Psychosis, Trauma, and Coming Off Antipsychotics – In conversation with Anders Sørensen and Jacqui Dillon Hosted by ISPS UK.
What if psychosis isn’t a disease to be suppressed or managed, but a story to be understood? What if extreme states can be explained entirely through psychological and social – not biological – mechanisms? Join psychologist and researcher Anders Sørensen, PhD, in conversation with Jacqui Dillon, for a powerful dialogue on trauma-informed, non-pathologizing approaches to psychosis – and how to safely navigate withdrawal from antipsychotic medication through hyperbolic tapering.
Despite decades of widespread prescribing, most clinicians receive little to no formal training in how to safely discontinue so-called antipsychotics. Clinical guidelines often detail when to start medication but rarely how to stop – even though long-term use carries well-documented risks, from metabolic and neurological adverse effects to emotional and cognitive blunting.
At the same time, emerging research reveals that withdrawal symptoms from antipsychotics are common, can be severe, and are frequently misinterpreted as relapse due to a overlap in symptoms. This confusion perpetuates unnecessary long-term treatment and misunderstanding of what psychosis – and recovery – truly are.
In this live conversation, Anders Sørensen, a Danish psychologist and researcher specializing in psychiatric drug withdrawal and psychotherapy for severe cases, joined Jacqui Dillon, survivor, activist, and author, to explore:
· How to understand psychosis through a psychosocial, trauma-informed, and relational lens rather than a pathologizing one.
· What so-called antipsychotic drugs actually do – and don’t do – to the brain and mind.
· How to safely reduce or discontinue antipsychotics using evidence-based hyperbolic tapering principles.
· How to differentiate between withdrawal reactions and genuine relapse, and how to support people through either.
· How coming off medication is not the end of treatment, but the beginning of true healing.
Further information about Crossing Zero can be found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/8797625906
I really enjoyed this conversation, found it very enlightening and has given me the courage to do what i’ve been terrified to do for many many years. I have the book now, and was especially interested in the dialogue between Anders and Jacqui when Anders explains the importance of the end of the tapering and that’s where you can trip up. Anders was self-effacing and Jacqui’s interjections of helping him find the right english word was skillfully and helpfully done. Shame i missed this webinar but glad ive watched it.