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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PattyG on March 6, 2000, at 21:29:37
(Putih wrote)
There is no diagnosis yet, at first he was diagnosed "depressed". He got first seroxat and then Effexor.
For an update on the situation you canalso read my last post "how to deal with a psychotic person".
See you there?
Hello again, Putih:I'm jumping around a bit here! Since you mentioned that he had been diagnosed as "depressed," I'm wondering now if it would be wise to learn more about "psychotic depression." Anyone have some knowledge to share? How old is your boyfriend? Was wondering when his symptoms began also.
As for how you should deal with his anger.....I guess I would say that even if he's ill, you shouldn't have to feel as though you need to stick around and be mistreated. I would think you can be kind and supportive, but remove yourself when he's raging. Even if you don't say anything about it, I'd be willing to bet he'll catch on. We have a friend who is Bipolar and he can drift sometimes into "shades of Schizoaffective MD or Schizophrenia".....I just try to be as calm as possible and to take his concerns seriously. But if he starts getting agitated and angry, I take him home or end the visit - it's done politely, however. Good luck. I admire your loyalty.
Posted by putih on March 7, 2000, at 13:46:53
In reply to Dealing with psychotic person, posted by PattyG on March 6, 2000, at 21:29:37
Hi Patty,
Thanks for your reply, see also my post in the original thread.
putih
Posted by Jade on March 12, 2000, at 15:29:46
In reply to Re: Dealing with psychotic person, posted by putih on March 7, 2000, at 13:46:53
Dear Putih,
It is most unforunate that doctors cannot assist loved ones in dealing with psychosis as a result of legalities such as freedom of information. When a person is psychotic they may not be able to comprehend the need for signing of documents and how it applies in the "real world".
However, it is also at times in the best interest of the patient for the doctor to not speak with others about there situation. This should be a judgement call versus a legality. In the majority of cases the legal issue presides.
There have been some good suggestions and to add to them I would suggest that if the situation deems that your responses are being met with constant accusations or abuse then it is important that you state that you cannot continue the visit if he continues to act this way towards you.
Keep your visits to a minimum and short to keep his stimulation to a minimum untill he is more able to be receptive. Perhaps only minimal phone calls or no contact may be the best approach if he is not able to participate in a positive way. Doing this is helpful for him.
A reminder to those who feel that people who suffer from psychotic episodes should be abandoned. Psychosis is not necessacerily a permanent condition. Relapses do occur in people with a psychotic illness.
Psychopath behaviour of hurting others for pleasure is completely different than psychotic behaviour of hurting others for percieved self protection etc. People who suffer from psychosis and on medication with appropriate support systems are kind and gentle people no different than you and I.
Stigma is a primary factor contributing to suicide, lack of resources, isolation and loneliness for those who suffer from psychotic illnesses.
No human is immune from these illnesses and those of us in the 99% of the population who are lucky not to aquire them are just that...Lucky.
Sincerely
Jade
Posted by putih on March 12, 2000, at 16:16:03
In reply to Re: Dealing with psychotic person, posted by Jade on March 12, 2000, at 15:29:46
Hi Jade,
By trial and error I am managing a little bit to deal with it. Indeed, when he is in a bad mood I just leave, telling him I will come bacj when he feels he wants to see me.
Last night he got into an argument with the (very kind) nurses about a little thing and he descided to leave. He called me to pick him up. In mean time docots came to talk to him because they think it is better he stays, but they didn't have enough hard reasons keep him involuntary. During that time I was just waiting what they were going to do and I tried to talk to my boyfriend, but it is hard to talk any reasoning with him. So he got angry, accusing me that I'm not listening etc. He is not physical violent, just words.
So he descided to break the relationship, (although yesterday I was still his "super woman"). The waiting took so long that he said I could go home and he would stay there overnight. Just two hours ago he was determined to go home!He was so angry that he extinguished a burning sigaret on his hand, without any sign of pain.
Anyway, for now he is still there and I'm still here, tomorrow is another day, Am I single now or what?I do understand the legal and privacy things of the doctors, I did have talk, but only to tell my story and experiences, which was helpfull for the doc, but he couldnot give me any info. The nursing staff is very kind and they do give me a little info at least they listen carefully because they say for them it is also usefull to know how he was as a "normal" person. It seems that they still don't know what is exactly wrong with him an dhow to treat it.
Well this is my story for tonight.
Thanks for your reply Jade.Putih
Posted by Jade on March 12, 2000, at 17:43:16
In reply to Re: Dealing with psychotic person, posted by putih on March 12, 2000, at 16:16:03
Putih,
He needs to stay in the hospital. He needs treatment. Don't let him come home if you can help it as he is not just suddenly going to be well.
It is important to remember to not take what he says personally. Rehearse this statement-It is the illness talking not him. This is difficult to do as it goes against our natural way of communicating with others, especially those we care about. It is essential for your well being though.
Sometimes in these situations it is best to stay with a friend and do what you can to take care of yourself. Please remember to take care of yourself as you will be of no help to anyone if you let yourself become too stressed.
Sincerely
Jade
Posted by putih on March 13, 2000, at 14:11:48
In reply to Re: Dealing with psychotic person, posted by Jade on March 12, 2000, at 17:43:16
Hi Jade,
Well, thanks God, he stayed in the hospital today, he didn't bring up leaving again, and was in quite a good mood.
I know I shouldn't take it personal, and Yep it is hard, especially when he sounds like a healthy person, when one hardly would say he is psychotic.
Anyway I'll practice your statement, and like before someone wrote in post, let it bounce off.Thanks,
Putih
Posted by Jade on March 13, 2000, at 17:34:09
In reply to Re: Dealing with psychotic person, posted by putih on March 13, 2000, at 14:11:48
Hello Putih,
So glad he stayed. He is in good hands. Hopefully the clinicians will be able to sort out his problem.
He will need to address his substance abuse issue as well, if this is an issue. This should be done with a program that deals with the combination of substance abuse and mental illness. Programs that deal only with substance abuse may not be as effective. Smoking marijuana is one recreation that he should definitely avoid.
Since he is being taken care of, how are you doing taking care of you?
Jade
This is the end of the thread.
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