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

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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.[/quote]

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. [/quote]

TY![/quote]

I see you mentioned she is 19 - so I want to adjust what I wrote - IEP and 504 processes only apply to public schools up to 12 th grade. BUT, private schools at any grade or colleges and universities must accommodate (under the ADA) serious illnesses like schizophrenia, which are considered long term disabilities even when well-treated because sudden relapse is possible.

If your niece is in college, her family can contact the Office of Disabilities and ask to meet with someone who can help explain what the process is for notifying professors she is ill, providing information about how to and by what dates request to withdraw, request incompletes or extensions on work. Schools ([b]like Yale [/b]and some other Ivies) sometimes have unfair, discriminatory policies about re-admitting students

If the family bought "tuition insurance", they need to read the plan carefully and see if new onset mental illness is covered (it is on our university's plan).

I know it seems like it might create pressure to refer to school, but IME, kids really feel like this kind of mental health crisis is destroying their perception of what their life could be, which is a huge stressor. Parents can also be under financial pressure because losing a semester's worth of tuition can be a huge financial burden.

Finally, even without a signed healthcare form or school release form, you can sometimes navigate "consent" issues. Consent doesn't have to be a particular signed form (although that's helpful).  A good healthcare worker can often frame an oral question to the patient in a way that encourages them to provide oral consent.  Schools have to tell you about process even if they can't tell you about a particular child. School websites for the disability and registrar's office often have a lot of good information about these policies. [/quote]

I know it's not the point of this post, but Yale finally caved to alumni pressure & now kids who voluntarily withdraw for mental health reasons have automatic readmission rights![/quote]

That's so terrible that it took Yale so long when many top schools have readmit rights if student able to demonstrate, in concert with mental health professionals, a plan for return.[/quote]

I think most of the mental health community has very little understanding of chronic, severe mental health issues. The patient may say they’re ok, and todays too agreeable therapists will follow the patients wishes. But some bipolar and schizophrenic students will never return to the original mental state. Current drugs don’t cure mental illnesses, only cover up a few of the symptoms.  I think a long break is needed for severe cases. [/quote]

DP - ironically, Yale has some of the top researchers in psychiatry/mental illness of any who are out there.  Experts in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, addiction, etc.  They have far more understanding than most about SMI.  I mean, better late than never, Yale, but I was SMDH over here.[/quote]

Agree. Real disconnect there.

BTW, does SMI = severe mental illness?[/quote]

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