Non-drug related psychosis

[GregoryJoseph]

Dear Dr. Steve -

How familiar are you with various mental/psychological illnesses? I have a close friend who literally lost his mind when he was in the grip of alcoholism; he was paranoid, delusional, and schizophrenic. Thankfully, he has been clean and sober for three years and has exhibited none of these symptoms since. What I am wondering is if it's possible for someone who isn't under the influence of any intoxicants to have these same issues.

Thanks for your time, consideration, and all the hours of selflessness you provide.

[Dr Steve]

Dear Dr. Steve -

How familiar are you with various mental/psychological illnesses? I have a close friend who literally lost his mind when he was in the grip of alcoholism; he was paranoid, delusional, and schizophrenic. Thankfully, he has been clean and sober for three years and has exhibited none of these symptoms since. What I am wondering is if it's possible for someone who isn't under the influence of any intoxicants to have these same issues.

Thanks for your time, consideration, and all the hours of selflessness you provide.


GJ:

It certainly is possible for someone not under the influence of drugs to display paranoia, delusions, and psychosis. People with both bipolar syndrome and schizophrenia will have those symptoms, as will some people with dementia. The prevalence of schizophrenia in the US is 7.2 cases per 1000 people.

Does this answer your question?


your pal,


steve

[GregoryJoseph]

Yes it does, and thank you very much. I assume that there's nothing that can be done to help such a person unless they want to help themselves, though. That is, a person can't be committed unless they're willing to be?

[Sinestro]

Yes it does, and thank you very much. I assume that there's nothing that can be done to help such a person unless they want to help themselves, though. That is, a person can't be committed unless they're willing to be?

depends. If they are in harm to self or others or whatever criteria the screeners look for. If the person is non-committable, the person can sign themselves into the hospital voluntarily. Sometimes it depends also if there is a bed availible.

[Dr Steve]

depends. If they are in harm to self or others or whatever criteria the screeners look for. If the person is non-committable, the person can sign themselves into the hospital voluntarily. Sometimes it depends also if there is a bed availible.

exactly right. if the person is suicidal, or a danger to himself due to neglect or delusions (like "I CAN FLY! I CAN FLY!") or is threatening another person with harm, they can be committed against their will. Otherwise they need to sign themselves in.


Of topic, if Sinestro and Dr Strange were in a fight, who would win? :-)

[Sinestro]

Of topic, if Sinestro and Dr Strange were in a fight, who would win? :-)

Sinestro. Cuz if Dr. Strange beats Sinestro up, he has to help him due to the hippocratic oath and threat of a lawsuit. That's if Dr. Strange is a real doctor.

[Dr Steve]

Sinestro. Cuz if Dr. Strange beats Sinestro up, he has to help him due to the hippocratic oath and threat of a lawsuit. That's if Dr. Strange is a real doctor.

Or he could say "check everything I say with your regular medical provider" :-)

[MC Pee Pants]

Yea....this shit is tough. My dad has been acting really weird for months now, and its been getting worse. He lost his job last April and didnt tell anyone, we had to find out through a family friend who he told. He's been getting worse but he hasn't exactly hurt anyone or himself and he isnt willing to see anyone.

My mom and I dont know what to do because he's realy distant, moved into the basement, doesnt help her with my little brother, but we cant force him to get help....im worried what could happen if he doesnt. I dont mean to sound like Im bitching but if anyone has any ideas that would be cool.

[Sinestro]

Yea....this shit is tough. My dad has been acting really weird for months now, and its been getting worse. He lost his job last April and didnt tell anyone, we had to find out through a family friend who he told. He's been getting worse but he hasn't exactly hurt anyone or himself and he isnt willing to see anyone.

My mom and I dont know what to do because he's realy distant, moved into the basement, doesnt help her with my little brother, but we cant force him to get help....im worried what could happen if he doesnt. I dont mean to sound like Im bitching but if anyone has any ideas that would be cool.

What weird stuff does he do???

The way you described him sounds like he's depressed.

Does he attend to self care?

[GregoryJoseph]

I'm really sorry to hear that, MC. I wish you and your family all the best in dealing with your father and what he's going through.

I hope one of you can get through to him and help him realize that what he's experiencing, while embarrassing, isn't shameful in any way and sometimes we all need a little help in dealing with life's obstacles and setbacks.

Best of luck, buddy.

[MC Pee Pants]

What weird stuff does he do???

The way you described him sounds like he's depressed.

Does he attend to self care?

He moved into the basement, goes through the family's mail, brings home shit that people are throwing away... like old furniture and whatnot thinking he can refurbish it and sell it, but he never does. Hes been shady with money with my mom, like using her credit cards for shit he does, he doesn't talk to her because he is convinced shes trying to get him to hit her so she could have him arrested. Just paranoid and delusional about things in his life, like i said no physical harm to anyone so we can't make him do anything really.:down:

[Sinestro]

He moved into the basement, goes through the family's mail, brings home shit that people are throwing away... like old furniture and whatnot thinking he can refurbish it and sell it, but he never does. Hes been shady with money with my mom, like using her credit cards for shit he does, he doesn't talk to her because he is convinced shes trying to get him to hit her so she could have him arrested. Just paranoid and delusional about things in his life, like i said no physical harm to anyone so we can't make him do anything really.:down:

Does he drink or do drugs?

[MC Pee Pants]

Does he drink or do drugs?

Not that we know of, he used to quit. I talk to the bartender across the street and she says my dad comes in and just gets a juice or something and watches whatever game is on or shoots pool. Maybe he just hates us, but my family has told me he has snapped in the past... but none of them want to get involved because they live across the country. I dunno, i guess we just ride it out see what happens.

[Dr Steve]

He moved into the basement, goes through the family's mail, brings home shit that people are throwing away... like old furniture and whatnot thinking he can refurbish it and sell it, but he never does. Hes been shady with money with my mom, like using her credit cards for shit he does, he doesn't talk to her because he is convinced shes trying to get him to hit her so she could have him arrested. Just paranoid and delusional about things in his life, like i said no physical harm to anyone so we can't make him do anything really.:down:


Wow, MCPP, I'm sorry to hear about that. If he has a doctor he trusts, you could talk to him/her; it doesn't violate HIPAA regulations for YOU to talk to the health care provider. They could then talk to him and convince him to come in for a visit. You could also call your local mental health agency and see if they have any advice. Your dad could have a host of things, from severe depression to dementia to who-knows-what. It's imperative that he seek attention as soon as possible; some of the things he could have are totally treatable. If there is ANY sign that he is a danger to himself or others, please call the authorities and have him evaluated immediately. Keep us in the loop on this one.

[Sinestro]

Also have you tried talking to him about what he is going through and offer your support. Not that he would do so right away but just to get it out there so that he kinda knows that your concerned for him.

[MC Pee Pants]

Several times my man, he doesnt let anyone talk and he always changes the subject then takes off for hours. He took a couple college classes to maybe get a new job and he got incompletes in two classes even though he doesnt have a job and all the time in the world to do the work. He claims its because he cant study here because the family bothers him, the thing is they're night classes and he has the house to himself all day and Thurs. and Fri. off from class.

[Sinestro]

Usually people that need help or services (like your dad) fly under the radar and don't recieve the help they need until some mitigating circumstance or episode is involved (like the police, ER, court, etc.) that initiates the introduction of needed treatment (mental health, substance abuse, medical, etc.). Hospitals/screening centers have a list of criteria for people to be committed involuntarily (harm to self or others, suicidal, exhibiting overt symptoms such as responding to auditory/visual hallucinations, delusional and paranoid thoughts, etc.) as a result of laws in place to prevent unneccesary hospitalization without just cause.

It's difficult to watch the downward progression of someone close to you and feeling unable to do anything about it. But by trying to get him help and asking about it how to go about it, you are doing something.

Like Dr. Steve said you can talk to your dad's health care provider about your concerns to see if it'll facilate some course of action (but if he's not working, he might not be seeing a doctor right now). Also you can call your local hospital which is usually associated with a mental health agency and if it's not, then can refer you to the appropriate resources you need or best course of action to help you.

It also might be helpful to know about your dad's past breakdown as the more information you can give, the more helpful it will be in insuring that he gets the proper course of treatment he needs.