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schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

zebra1Contributor15 Apr 2026, 8:03 pm AEST

schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

Hi everyone, this is my first post but thought I’d reach out as I don’t know where else to ask.

my brother has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been on a low dose of an antipsychotic for the past 18 months or so. It has led to some negative side effects, mainly relating to just feeling flat and blunted emotions. I have found out that he stopped taking his medication 5 days ago, and now he is a lot more talkative and full of energy. But I’m worried that it’s leading to some sort of manic state (which he hasn’t experienced before as previously his psychotic episodes involved feeling very low/suicidal). I know if I go to the psychiatrist they’ll make him go back on immediately, and I know they won’t be happy. I’m both worried that he is experienced withdrawal /rebound psychosis, but I don’t want to go behind his back and “dob” to his psychiatrist, knowing that he won’t like it, and will likely be forced back on it against his will. Any thoughts or ideas?

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In response to: schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

zebra1Contributor16 Apr 2026, 9:01 pm AEST

Re: schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

Thank you @Honeymoon And @Dimity we have called the police. What is CATT and what can they help with? Are they usually better to call rather than the police?

In response to: Re: schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

DimitySenior Contributor16 Apr 2026, 9:07 pm AEST

Re: schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

@zebra1 Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams are specifically mental health focussed and seem usually associated with regional hospitals. They can provide in home assessment and referral to emergency and/or community based services. When people aren't threatening others' safety or lost they're perhaps a better option than police.

In response to: schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

tymeModerator16 Apr 2026, 9:07 pm AEST

Re: schizophrenia - withdrawal from antipsychotics

Oh no @zebra1 ,

I'm so so sorry to hear this.

Have you contacted crisis services yet?

CATT is the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team. But based on what you have said, if he cannot be located, the police would be called anyway.

Usually, outpatients have a psychiatric triage number they (or their carers) can call. This team will then determine whether they need to send the CATT team to support. CATT have the authority to take you a person to hospital, but they will also have to call the ambulance/police.

This is not the 'nice' space to be in. I'm so so sorry. It can be quite traumatic for everyone. Hence the dilemma, is it better to be flat with antipsychotics, or to be manic without them?

I'm sitting here with you. Hopefully you feel less alone @zebra1

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