Advice needed!!

Hi Dee

This Artaud one of the moderators for Sane. I noticed your post and wanted to tell you over the years I have heard many similar stories. It is hard when our loved ones are unwell and dont recognise that they are unwell. We know when people takes there meds they begin to move into recovery. I hope you get some great support from your fellow forum members. I look forward to your post in the future and hope through this forum you get some of the answers you are looking for.

Regards

Artaud

Hi @DeeAlysia

Can I please preface my reply in saying I do tend to be blunt and perhaps a little clinical, but I am very much aware of the emotional difficulties.

In dealing with mental illness it is important to educate yourself to be able to understand what is happening. Lack of communication with and information given to carers is a recurring theme and it is important to establish clear roles with the treating team so as to understand how you fit in. As soon as practical it is best to ensure that your husband has given permission for you to be told of his condition. Get this documented and when dealing with docs, Centrelink etc. always refer to yourself as his carer not his wife (but be mindful as your husband may not appreciate the term and I explain to my husband that it is an administrative thing). If possible, this can be legally formalized, each state has it's own rules regarding medical guardianship. The reason I say this is that each state has rules under the mental health act in relation to how doctors in public health system MUST engage with carers.

First episode psychosis can often be an indicator of an underlying major psychiatric illness.

It might be helpful to find out what if any diagnosis was given during his 3 day stay in hospital.

Psychiatric diagnosis is not always bit can be a drawn out process as it relies on observation of symptoms. The carer should be involved in this as the patient often does not give adequate of correct information and can often feel the doctors are out to get them.

The purpose of drugs given to patients with a psychotic disorder is to reduce symptoms so the patient can function; they are not a cure. Often a patient needs to be on them for life. Most of these drugs have side effects and it can be a process finding a drug that suits. Taking medication regularly is a problem for a lot of patients and they often end up on depot injections which are an injectable slow release form of a drug given monthly or fortnightly.

Psychotic disorders are often associated with what is medically called loss of insight.

Loss of insight can lead to patients rejecting treatment. In the "what's new" tab there is a post on loss of insight and this will give you links to two YouTube sessions that are super helpful. My husband has had psychosis and loss of insight and I was helped greatly by listening to the talks.

Mental illness is a diagnosis that affects the whole family not just the patient. It puts a strain on the most robust of relationships. It is vital that you get some support happening for yourself, learning healthy coping methods the earlier the better. There is a fabulous Qld website that walks you through mental health starting with diagnosis.

http://mhr4c.com.au

(Loss of insight is referred to on this site and the LEAP method is explained in the YouTube talks I previously mention end).

Hope this helps, am happy to answer questions.

Darcy

Thanks for both replys.

Do any of you think it might be schizophrenia? And any insight to what i can might expect?

Hi @DeeAlysia

We cannot give a diagnosis. It is really important to try and get him assessed again.

Looking at the loss of insight sessions might help you in how to go about this.

Ensure that you have questions ready (write them down and be firm in demanding answers). If your husband ends up back in hospital ensure there is a documented follow up plan in place before you leave.

Major psychiatric disorders are draining on the carer and you need to ensure you get some help and support.

If you are happy to tell me what state you are in I can give you some carer support links.
Darcy

Hi @DeeAlysia
Just do you know, this is a brief summary of my story. After 10 years of not overly successful treatment for ocd/anxiety my husband ended up in what I presume was a psychotic state interstate after going awol from home. He came home and over a period of 2 years continued to be very unwell and had delusional (psychotic) depression with suicide attempts. At present his working diagnosis is bipolar ii but alternatives include insidious onset schizophrenia.
D

Hey @DeeElysia

This link may or may not help you.

http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/FAQpartner.htm