One last thing-these days, drugs come in the form of house cleaners,gas pumps, etc…
**You have been through a lot. It`s natural to be afraid. Please do not feel quilty. I hope you listen well to yourself-and do what you need to do to heal.
Dear Dontforget,
How long has your son been on abilify or any psychotropic medication. Depending on a person’s system, some psychotropic drugs can actually create real serious problems such as suicide and homicide. Google all of the medications your son has been on and look at side effects. These medications are powerful no matter how low of a dose our kids are are on. My own daughter was on the lowest dose of an anti-depressant and she became so volatile and out of control that the police had to be called and three big and strong police officers had a hard time holding her down. So check everything that has been prescribed to your son. Doctors and drug companies don’t always give you the full story. Educate yourself on the meds he’s on. The internet is awesome for this type of research but just make sure it’s not an anti-psychiatry website – there are plenty of those out there as well. Medication can work for the good but they can also have very nasty side effects. Also what is Schizophreniform. I’ve never heard of that.
This is the description of Schizophreniform that I got off of the WebMD site:
Schizophreniform disorder is a short-term type of schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others. Like schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder is a type of “psychosis” in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. Although schizophrenia is a lifelong illness, schizophreniform disorder involves symptoms that are present for less than six months. When symptoms persist longer than six months, the diagnosis is typically changed to schizophrenia.
What Are the Symptoms of Schizophreniform Disorder?
Symptoms of schizophreniform disorder are similar to those of schizophrenia and may include:
Delusions (false beliefs that are not based in reality and that the person refuses to give up, even when presented with factual information)
Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there)
Disorganized speech, such as not making sense, using nonsense words and/or skipping from one topic to another
Odd or strange behavior such as pacing, walking in circles, or writing constantly
Lack of energy, poor hygiene and grooming habits, loss of interest or pleasure in life, and withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities
The current doctor said because his hygiene was good that he thought this was a better fit for him. I also disagree with the short term part. He was communicating with a being from another world for over a year before this happen. I didn’t find out until after the attack. There were other strange things that he would say to me like he could look at things in his room an they would have a meaning. He could never explain the meaning to me. This happen over a year before the attack. I can look back to at least 3 years where I can see his behavior was a little irrational.
I have yet to talk with his doctor because of the current court order of no contact. He said his doctor would like for me to come in after the charges are dismissed. I know he will give the doctor permission for me to talk about his case.
The description of schizopreniform is very interesting and the first time I’ve heard of it. This guy who gave the diagnosis may be a doctor but your know your son better than he does and if you’ve noticed things before the major break down, I would get a second opinion. I hate to say this but having go through this journey of trying to find help for my daughter I’ve come across some pretty nutty and inept psychiatrist and I’ve also met so outstanding ones who know what they are doing. Trying to stab your mother is very serious and most kids would never hurt their parents no matter how sick they are. In my years of dealing with my daughter’s mental illness and for a time being very involved with NAMI I have never met a parent who was attacked by their child. I know you are not a doctor but trust your gut instincts.