Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng suffered extreme psychological damage while in prison, his lawyer said in a statement.

Gao's international lawyer Jared Gensher said the three years in a Chinese prison left Gao "basically unintelligible" and with lost teeth due to malnutrition.

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Human rights group Freedom Now said in a statement on Wednesday that Gao was in a small cell with minimal light the entire time. According to reports, he wasn't moved from his cell or taken anywhere for exercise.

Psychological damage was done primarily in the form of isolation. Guards were instructed not to speak with Gao, and he was not allowed to have media or other reading material.

The human rights advocate was also not permitted to receive visitors.

Gao lost 50 pounds due to being fed a diet of cabbage and one slice of bread a day for three years. As a result of the malnutrition, he also lost multiple teeth.

Gao has not been allowed to see a doctor since being released, and the statement goes on to say that he is likely suffering from a "broad range of physical and mental health problems."

He can only speak in short sentences, most of which are unintelligible mutters.

His wife's sister is taking care of him in Xinjiang and relaying information to Gao's wife, Geng He, who has lived in the United States with their two children since 2009.

She commented "We desperately need help from our adopted country and from President Obama and Secretary Kerry personally to demand the Chinese government to allow my husband to come to the United States for medical treatment."

Gao's lawyer closed Freedom Now's statement by saying he is heartbroken for Gao and his family, and that this tragedy shows the dire need for reform in China.

Voice of America reported that an official from the Ministry of Public Security in Xinjiang said she was unclear regarding Gao's status and if he would be able to leave for the US. Chinese police are maintaining constant surveillance on him.

Gao fell to infamy while defending religious freedoms in China.

TagsGao Zhisheng, China human rights, Gao released China