Topic Tuesday // Challenging Psychosis: Working with Thoughts // 23 Aug, 7pm AEST

[Former-Member]

Hi @Koya, @Fatima, @purebliss, @leitor

@purebliss, it's not uncommon for people to have several different diagnoses. It can be really confusing. One of the things that can be helpful is to focus on the symptoms and what makes them easier to manage, rather than specifically on the diagnosis.

[CherryBomb]

Hi @leitor,

It's hard to say why know exactly why your psych would have said that. There are competing views on CBT, and sometimes this can differ from one psychiatrist to another. Sometimes this depends on what areas people specialise in. Or it could be that your psychiatrist has made an assessment where CBT is not appropriate at this point due to levels of cognitive functioning. It's hard to say though. Could you ask them? They would be in a better position to explain why. The other option is to get a second opinion. 

[PurpleMum]

Hello, thank you for hosting this session. I am new here. I have some questions.

[Former-Member]

That's true @Cherrybomb. It can be really tempting to try to disprove a delusion or prove to someone that what they are experiencing is not real, but this can often lead to conflict. At the same time, we don't want to endorse the belief. What can be helpful is listening and trying to validate some of the emotions which are accompanying the experience. Does that make sense @Fatima?

[Fatima]

I care for my daughter who has experienced psychosis twice. She took 3 months to fully recover from the first episode and 6 months to recover after the second episode ( after she went off anti-psychotic medication) two years later.

i also care for my brother who seems to be in a constant state of psychosis and doesnt take medication.

[purebliss]

Thanks @Former-Member

[CherryBomb]

Weclome @PurpleMum! Hope you enjoy your first Topic Tuesday. Feel free to ask questions or guidance on how to use the forums. 

@Shaz51 you mentioned that psychosis was a step further from CBT - can you explain what you mean by this?

[Koya]

Yes that's a good point as many conditions share similar symptoms

[purebliss]

CBT is only suitable if the patient is able to examine his/her thoughts. It would not be useful if the person with psychosis does not even have a slightest doubt about the voices. Sometimes medications can stabilise the symptoms enough for CBT to be effective. 

[PurpleMum]

yes, my partner, diagnosed a month ago. But I'm sure it has been coming for a long time.