Words on Bathroom Walls

In the early chapters of Words on Bathroom Walls, Adam posits that the therapy portion of the ToZaPrex trial is of little use because only the drug can “fix” him. As his ToZaPrex dosage increases and the hallucinations become easier to distinguish from reality, Adam clings to this idea, placing all his hopes for a “normal” life in the drug. By the end of the book, Adam realizes the importance of therapy—its goal isn’t to “fix” him, but to help him learn resilience and self-tolerance in the face of his illness.

The novel’s form—a series of therapy journal entries—illustrates two processes: the quick benefits and eventual failure of ToZaPrex to control Adam’s hallucinations, and the gradual progress Adam makes in becoming less ashamed and more at peace with his schizophrenia. While his body eventually develops immunity to the once promising medication, Adam’s outlook changes as he grows to understand how to live with his illness. Unlike ToZaPrex, the changes he makes in his psyche are long-lasting.

Paul and Ian also “fix” how they think about Adam specifically and mental illness in general. Paul begins the book afraid that Adam might endanger the family, but as he sees what Adam’s illness actually entails, he realizes his fear is an irrational, kneejerk reaction rather than a productive response.