Physcotic depression

[Watchers]

My husband developed Physcotic depression 6 months ago, he had a couple of weeks in a phyciatric hospital when I could no longer cope at home due to my mother dying. He seemed to be improving well but every time he attempted to work he just couldn't cope with any pressure so I've got a full time job while he stays at home. We foster so that was going to be his job but we did some respite care for a baby for just one week and it was clearly too much for him, he was so tired and kept saying he couldn't understand how I'd done it for so long. When we were doing this respite, he had his Physcotic medication reduced but not his anti depressants. He has started having visions again of horrible faces at night. Not all the time but quite requently and he has been anxious and worried about silly things that really don't matter (like being unable to lay a patio). I'm so worried he's slipping backwards but he doesn't want me to call his metal health nurse and tell her, he just us he's got a handle on it and he feels fine today. What should I do? Should I phone her? Should I drag him to the doctors? He's just reduced his anti Physcotic meds again (on doctors instructions) but he hasn't told them of these latest visions. I'm so worried. Will be ever be back to normal again? I miss my strong and powerful husband 😞

[Gambit62]

This is a link to symptoms of B12 deficiency - among the symptoms are psychiatric problems such as depression anxiety and psychosis. Although psychiatrists are a bit more aware of the effects of B12 on the mind these days there is still a general lack of awareness so if it looks like there are other symptoms there that are ringing bells then please get B12 levels checked - along with folate (B9). There is a large grey area where significant numbers people will show symptoms but the lab says 'normal', so ask for the test results

The PAS forum is a good place if you want help.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Admittedly anti-psychotics aren't very nice medication and have lots of side effects that may be part of what your husband is experiencing.

[Stilltrying_]

This is a really tricky one, as dragging him there he could resent it, but as I believe one of the problems with psychosis is that the people experiencing it are not always as aware as the people around them as to when they start to slip back. I just don't know what to say really as really it is him who needs to be honest with the medics and tell them of these symptoms.You don't say how long ahead his next appointment is (they seem so difficult to get i have found) but if it isn't too far ahead just gently cajole him into mentioning it when he goes saying they need to know just incase but try not to be too forceful with him.

I don't know what the procedure is where he is treated; would it be a routine thing for you to talk to his nurse or would it be unusual? I would say if it is fairly usual thing and his symptoms get a lot worse and he is not prepared to tell them then maybe you should say something but it is very difficult as you don't want to lose his trust or make him think you're going behind his back so be open with him about why you have decided to tell them.

I can well understand how very stressful and upsetting all of this is for you having been used as you say to a strong man when he was well. I guess it's a question of having to adapt to different circumstances now which you are doing but of course it is a worry and a stress for you.

Sending you hugs,

Gemma X

[gardengnome]

Wonder if it might be possible to negotiate with your husband a time scales... That if things don't improve after x weeks he will talk to the doc/nurse. Rather than taking it day by day