Desperate Situation: Can Prolonged Psychosis Resolve on Its Own? TW: Suicidal Thoughts
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out because I’m at a loss regarding my brother, who is 37. He stands at 1.72 meters and weighs around 60 kg. For nearly two years, it appears he has been enduring a form of psychosis, a conclusion supported by his general practitioner and his friends. He believes he is unable to digest food or fats adequately, claiming there’s a solid mass in his stomach that causes him distress. This leads him to exhibit unusual movements and make strange sounds, which he believes assist with his digestion. He even asserts that he can visualize the movement of food within him and reports that certain sounds temporarily alleviate his discomfort. Despite undergoing numerous medical evaluations—including blood tests, an MRI, a colonoscopy, and a gastroscopy—all results have returned normal. He was also tested for Crohn's disease. Medications such as Trimebutine, mebeverine, and magnesium have been tried without success. A specialist in Spain suggested that his issues might stem from neurological factors in the brain, which are currently untreatable due to a lack of understanding. This is not his first encounter with psychosis. He experienced two previous episodes; the first lasted approximately four months, beginning three years ago, and the second, which occurred two and a half years ago, was severe enough that I called the police out of concern for his life. During that episode, he was hospitalized and received antipsychotic treatment for a week. Throughout his life, my brother has expressed that he struggles with some form of depression and has frequently mentioned that he feels life isn’t worth living. He claims to have had issues with "digesting food" for as long as he can remember, but I never noticed any symptoms during our childhood. I suspect he may also have autism, specifically Asperger's syndrome. This ongoing situation is taking a significant emotional toll on me as I try to support him, while also struggling with my own well-being. I worry about the future, especially that even if he finds treatment for his psychosis, he might still grapple with depression. His GP has also expressed concerns that he might be one of those individuals for whom help is hard to find. Right now, my only option seems to be waiting until he feels suicidal again so I can intervene for another forced hospitalization—something I successfully managed during his last episode. He's my only remaining family member, and I hesitate to label his condition as psychosis since I fear losing his trust; in his mind, I am his last believer. I want to know if there's a chance for this psychosis to resolve on its own, considering he absolutely refuses to seek therapy due to his distrust of doctors, whom he feels have let him down, including psychologists. I maintain regular communication with him, which weighs heavily on me, especially when he reiterates his wish to not keep living. It pains me deeply to see him in such suffering that I sometimes question whether it would be kinder for him to not exist anymore. Although this may seem extreme, witnessing his behavior gives clarity to my thoughts. Sleep is elusive for me now, and I find it difficult to enjoy life. Any guidance or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Reddit.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 7:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the distressing situation you and your brother are facing. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when supporting a loved one experiencing such severe challenges. To address your main concerns, I’ll focus on the possibility of improvement, the need for support, and the importance of your well-being.
Main Points
- Prolonged psychosis may not resolve on its own, especially without appropriate treatment.
- Ongoing support is critical for both you and your brother, given his reluctance to seek professional help.
- Your mental health is equally important, so it's essential to find ways to care for yourself during this difficult time.
Explanation
Psychosis can often be a complex and persistent condition, especially when it’s accompanied by other mental health issues like depression. While some individuals may experience a spontaneous resolution of their symptoms, many cases require intervention to improve. Given your brother's history and the current situation, it's crucial to consider ways to encourage him to seek assistance even if he is resistant.
The perception of a physical issue like an inability to digest food may stem from psychological distress, and it can be very challenging for someone in psychosis to recognize this. His unusual movements and sounds could be coping mechanisms he has developed in response to his internal discomfort.
Next Steps
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Emergency Support: If your brother expresses suicidal thoughts or seems to pose a risk to himself, do not hesitate to seek emergency help. This is crucial for his safety.
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Engage Through Regular Communication: Continue to communicate with him in a supportive, non-confrontational manner. Use this time to listen and validate his feelings without pushing for treatment. Building trust might help him to feel more open to discussing professional help in the future.
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Explore Community Resources: Look into local support groups or hotlines that might provide assistance for families dealing with similar issues. Sometimes, hearing from others who faced similar struggles can be reassuring for both of you.
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Establish Self-Care Routines: For your own mental health, consider establishing your own support system. Try to set aside time for activities that bring you joy, even if it’s small moments. Engaging with friends or a professional counselor can also provide emotional support.
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Document Changes: If possible, keep a log of his behaviors, mood changes, and any other symptoms. This may be helpful if he ever feels ready to discuss his situation with a healthcare professional.
It's crucial to remember that both you and your brother deserve support and compassion during this challenging time. You are doing your best to help him, which is commendable, but don't neglect your own mental health.
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