Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on April 21, 2009, at 17:59:52
In reply to Same old medication, same old results, posted by Nurse Hot Flash on August 20, 2008, at 7:04:39
Hi NHF,
Your doctor is being a responsible psychiatrist by keeping your son on meds: the more the psychotic episodes a person has while off meds, the more difficult it is to recover when back on meds. In fact, some people get a sort of intractable form of schizophrenia because they have had so many psychotic episodes, such that the meds don't eliminate the positive symptoms. I have read study after study about the irrevocable effects of multiple psychotic episodes. And I have seen this in my own life: even on Haldol, my sister continues to have positive symptoms. Why? Too many years in which the psychosis took hold. She was misdiagnosed as manic-depressive in the early nineties, given the wrong medication, and paranoia was able to take hold. She did not believe that she was sick. A brush with the law and a commitment to take her meds, plus my mother's unending attempts to help her, finally landed her on medication long-term. But still, symptoms remain.
I know the meds are harsh. But I would say that your son is very, very lucky in comparison to have relief from positive symptoms. Keep him on those meds, please.
Take good care of yourself. You are lovely to be taking care of your son. So many families ditch their loved ones when something as severe as schizophrenia reveals itself.
Good wishes,
Amelia
poster:Amelia_in_StPaul
thread:847310
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20081229/msgs/891984.html