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
poster:Jade
thread:26175
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/26771.html