6 month psycotic break

[orleans]

My daughter, 27, now EX-grad student is in the midst of a months long episode. She is dxed Bi-Polar w/schizoaffective. She was doing great on abilify for 6 years, 3.85 grad student. She became inconsistant with her meds, ya know the "I'm fine, what do I need this stuff for" deal. She lost it early Oct and we can't seem to get her back. Major delusions, "the embodiment of heaven" and the like. Been 1013ed (forced commitment) twice in 2 months. Can only hold her 5 days in Ga w/out consent, she won't consent. They first increased the abilify to 30mg--nothing. Then gave her the Invega injection, 256mg, another 156mg 7 days later--still nothing. Her Dr told us today to have her commited again as she was in danger of permanent brain damage (scary stuff) She had insurance as required of grad students, UNTIL she got too sick to go to school, then they dropped her. We are heart broken and terrified. Any suggestions? info? Do some never come back? thanks, jm

[Gurlsluvkars]

It will just take time. You're doing a great thing. I'm proud of you.

[orleans]

Well, we had her commited again yesterday. They seem to be getting tired of seeing her in the emer. room. We're having trouble having hope. She will not co-operate with treatment as she is convinced that the voices are real. We've just run out of ideas.

[babybonita]

Sorry to hear about your daughters struggle. I've had a month long episode before & its no fun. Eventually she should even out & get back on target. She might need to try some different Med  cocktails before being stabilized. Don't give up! Best of luck!

[taytay0308]

i am so sorry your going through this.. the post above me hit it right on the nail... also another place to get information is national behavioral health.. google them you may find some styff in there that will also help you through this time. when i completly lost it i know my parents and husband pushing the meds on me helped. its going to feel like a losing battel most days but she will most likley come back. if yall can get her even the tadest bit stable try to get her help asap because she may realize she needs it in that short moment and possibly sign a consent.. if she become a harm to herself or harm to others and you think she is really losing it get her court ordered to get treatment. she cant refuse it that way!! i know that will be extremly hard since she is your child but it could save her. i wish you and her the best of luck be strong and keep your head up there is light at the end of the tunnel

[Lizz67]

I have BP l and have been hospitalized and committed quite a few times.  My first psychotic episode occurred when I was 26, so I can relate to your daughter's situation (I'm 44).  Many, many of us do "come back."  She's likely to be able to return to school and/or work in her field when she's better stabilized.  I did - even after being severely ill and on disability for a couple of years.  If it helps I can tell you that I've been at the same professional job for 12 years even with the need to be hospitalized twice during acute manic episodes.
Anyway I can't really advise you about meds, but it sounds like you are caught up in the nightmare of public mental health care in America.
To learn more about the laws and options in your state - GA? - I suggest you check out the website for the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law:  www.bazelon.org.
There are lot of organizations where you can connect with other families.  NAMI is one. I hope your daughter regains her health soon.
  
Wherever you stand politThey can  and can offer support

[Gurlsluvkars]

That's verry difficult. Without telling you what to do, try not pushing medications right now. It will make her further hate them. I have the same diagnosis among anxiety. You should have her committed if she's a danger to anyone especially herself. Please don't give up. Things can get better. Be her support and love her. Be her mother but don't be pushy. We can't force people to do what's best for them. We can only be their support and guide them. Have you gotten any resources in your area for help? I know it's so hard on you too. Maybe you can get counciling. There are also support groups for parents of kids with mental illness. You're doing a great job. Hang in there.