Contents
Part Two — Chapter Two
Overview
Theo urges Professor Diomedes to reduce Alicia’s high antipsychotic dose so she can think and feel. Diomedes agrees to speak with Christian, warning of Alicia’s past suicidality and the risks of lowering medication. Diomedes senses tension between Theo and Christian and advises cooperation, promising a discreet approach.
Summary
Theo meets Professor Diomedes to report that his first session with Alicia went nowhere, blaming her heavy sedation. He cites a high risperidone dose and argues that Alicia must be able to think and feel for therapy to work.
Diomedes acknowledges the dose is high but stresses Alicia’s past suicidality and the stabilizing role of medication. He challenges Theo to accept the risk of destabilization if dosage is reduced. Theo maintains that the risk is necessary to make any progress.
Diomedes agrees to raise the issue with Christian, Alicia’s psychiatrist, and notes a possible hostility between Theo and Christian, urging collaboration. He promises to approach Christian subtly and without naming Theo, then lightens the moment with a smoking joke as Theo declines a cigar.
Who Appears
- Theo FaberPsychotherapist pushing to reduce Alicia’s medication to enable therapy; denies hostility toward Christian.
- Professor DiomedesClinical lead who cautions about suicide risk; agrees to discuss dosage with Christian discreetly; senses team tension.
- ChristianAlicia’s lead psychiatrist; not present but central to medication decision and possible rivalry with Theo.
- YuriNurse who informed Theo of Alicia’s high risperidone dose.