Twenty-three acute schizophrenic inpatients were given a standardized 15-minute "free verbalization" interview during the acute phase and again during partial recovery. During the acute phase, patients tended to get lost in a vivid, overwhelming flood of details, whereas later they took more distance and were not as overinvolved, even when discussing the same subjects. Over time there was a shift to future concerns and a renewed interest in interpersonal relationships and responsibilities. Patients became more organized and coherent over time.Abstract Teaser