ISO info on psychosis in late teens/early 20s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went through/are going through this with my brother. Unfortunately our experience is not good as my parents missed the signs when he was a teen... so my perspective is biased.

She needs to get on meds before she is 18. Preferably, the kind that is an injection (monthly) as opposed to a pill to take everyday. Many people will start to feel better and refuse to take meds. You can imagine what happens then. After 18, your sibling cannot make any decisions for their child. It is incredibly difficult to get them any help if they refuse after 18. It's not an easy road if they are not on meds. Hard to keep a job, and it is very very stressful on the family.

Alas, her child just turned 19.

When healthy, have them sign agreement that they can access medical records and even better to have medical power of attorney.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cousin just called and told us that her DD/our niece has been admitted to a psych ER - has been there for a few days. While the diagnosis is not conclusive, cousin is sharing that the doctors on duty are talking about psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, etc. We are close - more like siblings - and she is asking me to find out anything I can. Have come to this forum for other questions as folks here tend to be more gentle as well as helpful. I would appreciate any information people can share. Cousin told me they are doing tests, but sounds like they do not think this is a drug-induced psychosis as of now.

TIA.

Late teens and 20s are a common time for schizophrenia diagnosis. I am not sure what state your family member is in but some states have increasingly focused on creating supports specific to "first episode psychosis" because it is thought that psychosis causes some damage to the brain that "kindles" further episodes. Early treatment is key.

Here is an example in Maryland of a "First Episode" Clinic -

https://www.mprc.umaryland.edu/Clinical-Care/First-Episode-Clinic/

You might want to have your family member ask about this kind of resource in their state.

Also, I don't know the age of the niece, but if she is in school, the IEP or 504 process can be used to help her while she is recovering and finding proper treatment.

If you want to know more about schizophrenia, Ellyn Saks has written a good memoir about her experience of the illness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what she thinks you'd be able to find out what with you not being a psychologist, not being her daughter's psychologist, you not having access to any of the test results being run on her daughter, and you not being a professional psychiatric disorder researcher. Your posting on a message board to get opinions from CPA's and stay at home moms with English degrees is not going to be helpful.

Why not do what you can to encourage her to be patient and listen to the actual doctors treating her daughter and then do what they suggest? That would actually be helpful to her.

Seriously? That's what you came here to say when I ended my post that folks in this forum tend to be gentle and helpful.

FWIW, CPAs and WAHMs with English degrees may have mental illnesses or know someone who does.

The next time perhaps you should type this out, reread the original comment, then delete because you realize you have nothing to offer.

Good grief you're even worse than I initially thought. Fine, I'll be even more helpful than I already was and really spell it out for you: your niece doesn't even have a diagnosis, so people who are actual professionals can't help her, let alone strangers who don't know her. This is a waiting period, not a doing period. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet about medical issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what kinds of tests they would be doing. It's more of a history taking of episodes and mood swings.

My son has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. A combination of schizophrenia and bipolar. His psychosis has been very limited, but he definitely has manic and depressive episodes. Medication, therapy and a firm schedule have helped.

I strongly suggest your sister join NAMI and take Family to Family course online (8 week class).

Thanks for responding. How did your son end up with this diagnosis? Was there a triggering event where your son ended up in an ER/pysch unit?

Appreciate your observations/suggestions and all best to your son and family.

He ended up with a diagnosis after about 18 months of seeing a psychiatrist (at age 19). The signs of bipolar had been there for about two years prior. However we had no luck in initially getting appointments with psychiatry at that time-- no one was taking new patients. We paid out of pocket for a therapist, but she was limited in her help. We didn't have 4k for a neuropsych eval. He stabilized enough to go to college. From there he had better access to mental health services, because you have to be a student to access care.

Recently he did voluntarily check himself in the a program at Shady Grove Hospital here in Maryland (he had an outburst at work and couldn't handle the stress). They kept him in patient for a week while they adjusted his medications. He goes to a psychiatrist twice a month, therapist twice a month, and attends a local NAMI group in Silver Spring for adults with severe mental illness. He's hoping to go back to college in January.

It's a long road. Try not to worry yourself sick. It's so important that you and your cousin are in for the long haul.

[Anonymous]

What your niece will likely ultimately need is something called Coordinated Specialty Care. It’s one of the few real breakthroughs in caring for people with initial psychotic episodes. There’s good information here, with links to care facilities providing evidence-based care further down the page: https://nationalepinet.org/resources/clients-and-families/

Good luck to your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what kinds of tests they would be doing. It's more of a history taking of episodes and mood swings.

My son has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. A combination of schizophrenia and bipolar. His psychosis has been very limited, but he definitely has manic and depressive episodes. Medication, therapy and a firm schedule have helped.

I strongly suggest your sister join NAMI and take Family to Family course online (8 week class).

OP again - ruling out any drug-induced psychosis, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what she thinks you'd be able to find out what with you not being a psychologist, not being her daughter's psychologist, you not having access to any of the test results being run on her daughter, and you not being a professional psychiatric disorder researcher. Your posting on a message board to get opinions from CPA's and stay at home moms with English degrees is not going to be helpful.

Why not do what you can to encourage her to be patient and listen to the actual doctors treating her daughter and then do what they suggest? That would actually be helpful to her.

Seriously? That's what you came here to say when I ended my post that folks in this forum tend to be gentle and helpful.

FWIW, CPAs and WAHMs with English degrees may have mental illnesses or know someone who does.

The next time perhaps you should type this out, reread the original comment, then delete because you realize you have nothing to offer.

Good grief you're even worse than I initially thought. Fine, I'll be even more helpful than I already was and really spell it out for you: your niece doesn't even have a diagnosis, so people who are actual professionals can't help her, let alone strangers who don't know her. This is a waiting period, not a doing period. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet about medical issues.

But wow, look at all the folks with helpful information, including first episode psychosis.

Pity your family. Won't bother to say friends because I can't imagine you have many or any.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what kinds of tests they would be doing. It's more of a history taking of episodes and mood swings.

My son has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. A combination of schizophrenia and bipolar. His psychosis has been very limited, but he definitely has manic and depressive episodes. Medication, therapy and a firm schedule have helped.

I strongly suggest your sister join NAMI and take Family to Family course online (8 week class).

Thanks for responding. How did your son end up with this diagnosis? Was there a triggering event where your son ended up in an ER/pysch unit?

Appreciate your observations/suggestions and all best to your son and family.

He ended up with a diagnosis after about 18 months of seeing a psychiatrist (at age 19). The signs of bipolar had been there for about two years prior. However we had no luck in initially getting appointments with psychiatry at that time-- no one was taking new patients. We paid out of pocket for a therapist, but she was limited in her help. We didn't have 4k for a neuropsych eval. He stabilized enough to go to college. From there he had better access to mental health services, because you have to be a student to access care.

Recently he did voluntarily check himself in the a program at Shady Grove Hospital here in Maryland (he had an outburst at work and couldn't handle the stress). They kept him in patient for a week while they adjusted his medications. He goes to a psychiatrist twice a month, therapist twice a month, and attends a local NAMI group in Silver Spring for adults with severe mental illness. He's hoping to go back to college in January.

It's a long road. Try not to worry yourself sick. It's so important that you and your cousin are in for the long haul.

Your DS' story is tough and inspiring. TY for sharing and truly all my best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what she thinks you'd be able to find out what with you not being a psychologist, not being her daughter's psychologist, you not having access to any of the test results being run on her daughter, and you not being a professional psychiatric disorder researcher. Your posting on a message board to get opinions from CPA's and stay at home moms with English degrees is not going to be helpful.

Why not do what you can to encourage her to be patient and listen to the actual doctors treating her daughter and then do what they suggest? That would actually be helpful to her.

Seriously? That's what you came here to say when I ended my post that folks in this forum tend to be gentle and helpful.

FWIW, CPAs and WAHMs with English degrees may have mental illnesses or know someone who does.

The next time perhaps you should type this out, reread the original comment, then delete because you realize you have nothing to offer.

Good grief you're even worse than I initially thought. Fine, I'll be even more helpful than I already was and really spell it out for you: your niece doesn't even have a diagnosis, so people who are actual professionals can't help her, let alone strangers who don't know her. This is a waiting period, not a doing period. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet about medical issues.

Not OP, but on the contrary - the info about first episode clinics seems like the most important information to pass on to the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what she thinks you'd be able to find out what with you not being a psychologist, not being her daughter's psychologist, you not having access to any of the test results being run on her daughter, and you not being a professional psychiatric disorder researcher. Your posting on a message board to get opinions from CPA's and stay at home moms with English degrees is not going to be helpful.

Why not do what you can to encourage her to be patient and listen to the actual doctors treating her daughter and then do what they suggest? That would actually be helpful to her.

Seriously? That's what you came here to say when I ended my post that folks in this forum tend to be gentle and helpful.

FWIW, CPAs and WAHMs with English degrees may have mental illnesses or know someone who does.

The next time perhaps you should type this out, reread the original comment, then delete because you realize you have nothing to offer.

Good grief you're even worse than I initially thought. Fine, I'll be even more helpful than I already was and really spell it out for you: your niece doesn't even have a diagnosis, so people who are actual professionals can't help her, let alone strangers who don't know her. This is a waiting period, not a doing period. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet about medical issues.

DP, who actually is a mental health professional and who has treated people with psychotic illnesses: yes, actual professionals CAN help her. They can keep her calm. They can help her family stay as calm as possible. They can provide a safe place to wait to rule out substance-induced psychosis (as the OP mentioned). They can take detailed histories from folks willing to provide that information. None of those things are dependent upon a formal diagnosis.

If it’s ever helpful at some point, OP, the improved care for initial psychotic episodes is largely due to an NIMH initiative called RAISE (Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode). Sometimes family and friends find it helpful to learn more about the research used to guide treatment. Sometimes they don’t, which is fine. Just wanted to share in case it’s helpful. And I’ll +1,000 the recommendation for NAMI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What your niece will likely ultimately need is something called Coordinated Specialty Care. It’s one of the few real breakthroughs in caring for people with initial psychotic episodes. There’s good information here, with links to care facilities providing evidence-based care further down the page: https://nationalepinet.org/resources/clients-and-families/

Good luck to your family.

You're so kind - TY!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what she thinks you'd be able to find out what with you not being a psychologist, not being her daughter's psychologist, you not having access to any of the test results being run on her daughter, and you not being a professional psychiatric disorder researcher. Your posting on a message board to get opinions from CPA's and stay at home moms with English degrees is not going to be helpful.

Why not do what you can to encourage her to be patient and listen to the actual doctors treating her daughter and then do what they suggest? That would actually be helpful to her.

Seriously? That's what you came here to say when I ended my post that folks in this forum tend to be gentle and helpful.

FWIW, CPAs and WAHMs with English degrees may have mental illnesses or know someone who does.

The next time perhaps you should type this out, reread the original comment, then delete because you realize you have nothing to offer.

Good grief you're even worse than I initially thought. Fine, I'll be even more helpful than I already was and really spell it out for you: your niece doesn't even have a diagnosis, so people who are actual professionals can't help her, let alone strangers who don't know her. This is a waiting period, not a doing period. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet about medical issues.

DP, who actually is a mental health professional and who has treated people with psychotic illnesses: yes, actual professionals CAN help her. They can keep her calm. They can help her family stay as calm as possible. They can provide a safe place to wait to rule out substance-induced psychosis (as the OP mentioned). They can take detailed histories from folks willing to provide that information. None of those things are dependent upon a formal diagnosis.

If it’s ever helpful at some point, OP, the improved care for initial psychotic episodes is largely due to an NIMH initiative called RAISE (Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode). Sometimes family and friends find it helpful to learn more about the research used to guide treatment. Sometimes they don’t, which is fine. Just wanted to share in case it’s helpful. And I’ll +1,000 the recommendation for NAMI.

TY - also so kind to share as well as point out that there is a community out here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went through/are going through this with my brother. Unfortunately our experience is not good as my parents missed the signs when he was a teen... so my perspective is biased.

She needs to get on meds before she is 18. Preferably, the kind that is an injection (monthly) as opposed to a pill to take everyday. Many people will start to feel better and refuse to take meds. You can imagine what happens then. After 18, your sibling cannot make any decisions for their child. It is incredibly difficult to get them any help if they refuse after 18. It's not an easy road if they are not on meds. Hard to keep a job, and it is very very stressful on the family.

Alas, her child just turned 19.

When healthy, have them sign agreement that they can access medical records and even better to have medical power of attorney.

Sounds like they did med power of attorney before college. DK about medical records.

[Anonymous]

Though you say they have ruled out drug induced psychosis, it’s not always easy to test for all substances and teens may not tell parents what they’ve done (hopefully they will be more open with doctors). A family member took mushrooms to self medicate depression and it caused a psychotic episode.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what she thinks you'd be able to find out what with you not being a psychologist, not being her daughter's psychologist, you not having access to any of the test results being run on her daughter, and you not being a professional psychiatric disorder researcher. Your posting on a message board to get opinions from CPA's and stay at home moms with English degrees is not going to be helpful.

Why not do what you can to encourage her to be patient and listen to the actual doctors treating her daughter and then do what they suggest? That would actually be helpful to her.

Seriously? That's what you came here to say when I ended my post that folks in this forum tend to be gentle and helpful.

FWIW, CPAs and WAHMs with English degrees may have mental illnesses or know someone who does.

The next time perhaps you should type this out, reread the original comment, then delete because you realize you have nothing to offer.

Good grief you're even worse than I initially thought. Fine, I'll be even more helpful than I already was and really spell it out for you: your niece doesn't even have a diagnosis, so people who are actual professionals can't help her, let alone strangers who don't know her. This is a waiting period, not a doing period. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet about medical issues.

Not OP, but on the contrary - the info about first episode clinics seems like the most important information to pass on to the parents.

+1000