Today's meeting with all three psychiatrists was to confirm Dr. Stern as the sole psychiatrist from here forward. We agreed that Dr. Stern could handle both the medication and the psychotherapy. Chris ended up with an extra psychiatrist after he left the hospital last May so that Dr. Stern could concentrate on the psychotherapy without having to always be checking on the med situation. The second psychiatrist has been bringing her boss to these meetings.
We discussed taking Chris off one of the two medications and all psychiatrists agreed that one medication was better than two. I was wondering if I heard this right. Up until now, the psychiatrists here have been saying that two are better than one, and suddenly, now they agree that one is just as good as two. This is what I have been saying for the past five years, and what psychiatrists in North America have been starting to say. This is encouraging, indeed.
Ian seems to be convinced that Chris will not relapse as long as he's on the drugs, but Dr. Stern was of the opinion that Chris's recent relapse may not have been related to going off the drugs. She felt that the relapse may have been more linked to the stress of our wanting him to go back to university away from home. I was delighted to hear her say this, that getting off meds doesn't always imply relapse. More to the point, she can see a time when Chris may no longer be on any medication.
We agreed that should Chris ever relapse, we would intervene early, and involve a short term therapy program where medications wouldn't necessarily be used.
Progress has been made.
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Sounds like solid progress. Chris should be very proud of himself.
ReplyDeleteClearly there is no viable argument that supports more than a single neuroleptic drug variety (if one can rationalize that that is necessary). My experience has led me to conclude that there is no standardization and that one psychiatrist to the next will take an entirely different approach with the type and number of neuroleptics. They're all crap!
There is hope of course. My son has been off all meds for 16 months now. It will soon be two years since his last psychotic break. He experiences no symptoms, has withdrawn from disability benefits, had his driver's license reinstated, completed 1st yr university studies with honours, starts summer employment tomorrow, and is no longer reclusive in social settings; in fact he is quite proficient socially. The means to the cure? Psychotherapy!
Keep up the good work and ensure Chris' achievements are appropriately celebrated. Celebrate all of the successes and be proud of yourself and your husband for sticking with him. I know first hand it is not easy and you will see him arrive at the destination you are all committed to.
Thanks for the progress report on your son. People need to hear this!
ReplyDeleteMy son continues with his medication, though also sees a naturopath and we continue to explore alternative therapies. He is reconnecting with friends, volunteering , and trying to get a job in a difficult economy. I credit this to his resilience and determination along with the tremendous support of family and friends. Along the way we all have tweaked expectations.Chris too will get there!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good path - exploring many options rather than counting on one. I'm pleased to hear it.
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