First Psychotic Episode - Mental Health Message Board

xyzxyz123 · 05-11-2008, 11:21 PM

My fiancee just had a first psychotic episode (he is 29). He was in the hospital for a few days and is responding well to a low dose of an anti-psychotic medication. He is doing much better and recognizes that his fears were delusional.

Has anyone out there been diagnosed w/acute psychoses w/out exposure (that you know of) to chemicals and w/out a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar? If so, how did it turn out for you? What medication(s) are you on? What should I do to help him?

Waffles93 · 05-12-2008, 06:49 PM

I was diagnosed with Major Depression w/ Psychotic Features and never used any substances before hand (besides painkillers for knee and pec surgeries about a year before the diagnosis (didn't abuse)). I was in the hospital for a week, got out, and had to go back a week later. During the second stay, I stayed in the hospital for 3 weeks and received ECT treatments. I am prescribed effexor, risperdal, and trazodone. I was so frustrated with the meds not working after years that I stopped taking them. Most of the treatment options (ECT, meds, therapy)worked for a while, but stopped.
I wish I could offer more guidance, but I don't know of any effective methods to improve a similar situation.
I hope your fiancee's condition improves.

trg247 · 05-12-2008, 07:07 PM

One of my diagnosis is severe major depressive disorder with psychotic features. The meds that have worked best are anti psychotics such as Zyprexa and Seroquel. The Zyprexa worked great but came with massive weight gain (60lbs+ in under six months) so it had to go. Been on Seroquel for seven months with the current dosage at 100mg three times a day plus 50mg when needed. It does a pretty good job but the dosage seems to have to be constantly increased to stay on top of it. I have been on numerous other medication classes that did little at all for the psychotic end.

There is not much to say except keep with the meds and hopefully they will take care of it. For some people there are triggers before a psychotic break such as an increase in stress but for others it just seems to happen.

take care
trg247