So I was previously stable for a long a time. More than a year without any symptoms. I have been consistent with my medication throughout this time.
In the last few months, I had begun to develop the belief that my mind is being read. I have also been experiencing an increased number of very uncanny synchronicities/coincidences.
My doctor seemed to dwell very long on the subject of the synchronicities. He ultimately felt like, the fact that I observe a lot of coincidences is not necessarily negative experience. However, I believe that it is, because it affects my perception of reality. It makes me believe that the events that occur in our day to day lives, and that occur in the universe are not random. It makes life feel illusory. I personally find this pattern of thinking problematic as it was not my normal way of thinking before.
Also, the issue of believing my mind is being read is also very distressing. I need privacy of the mind. I don’t like to live this way.
My doctor basically kept the prescription the same and said we’ll just observe what happens over the next three months. He said of course to see him if there are any emergencies.
I suspect that, because I have been on this particular dose of medication (Risperdal) for almost 2 years, that it has lost its efficacy. Based on research I’ve done, this can happen when your body adjusts to the medication over a long period of time.
I’m very unhappy with how this went. I would have preferred a med adjustment to make the symptoms go away? Why would he propose that we leave things as they are?? Should I consult somebody else?
I believe you should consult another doc. I know how it feels to perceive people can read your mind. Due to experimenting this for years I don’t think anything to myself. I got this ability for which I am thankful. That is a serious sympton and it needs to be addressed. If your current doc does not understand that you should look for another.
I agree that a new psychiatrist is your best option. Short version of a long story - my previous pdoc cut my meds to subtherapeutic levels and also had me back to work from disability too many hours at the same time. My mental health is absolutely horrible right now because of that and I did not need to get to this place had the pdoc intervened before it got this bad.
I am now seeing an excellent psychiatric nurse practitioner who is already helping a lot. Including substantial med increases that are working well so far. I need a lot more time to rebalance, but it took seeing a new practitioner to see that my meds weren’t sufficient (and other factors I won’t get into).
Three months can feel like three millenia when you are experiencing relapse and disturbing symptoms. You should not be left hanging. If I were you, I would schedule a second opinion ASAP before you fall as far as I have and while you still have insight. I lost insight for a while too, and that’s hard to climb back from.
I did not need to get to this place had the pdoc intervened before it got this bad.
Absolutely, I believe early intervention is the key to preventing a lot of problems. I am glad you found someone better and that your situation has improved.
I’m currently surfing the net trying to find a new psychiatrist to visit.
Many people believe in synchronicities. I understand you find it to be distressing, but it’s not an emergency. I think your pdoc is taking a wait and see approach to see whether you get better or fall off the ledge.
Sometimes it’s good to keep meds consistent for a long time and work on coping strategies like talking it through with a psychiatrist/psychotherapist why mind reading with the current state of technology is impossible.
to see whether you get better or fall off the ledge.
Personally, I don’t think it is right to wait until the situation becomes critical or significantly adverse, in order to take action. If someone is saying that they are beginning to exhibit older positive symptoms, it is a serious issue and it needs to be addressed with urgency.
I don’t believe I should have to struggle for another 3 months before getting proper assistance.
For the last year and half, my symptoms were completely gone, thanks to medication. So I respectfully disagree with this statement. I am certain that the right medication at the right dosage will be of aid.
Did you have this coincidence/synchronicity thought problem before medication?
I was not having this issue prior. But people also seem to be ignoring the fact that I have been having unusual ideas/beliefs reminiscent of paranoia i.e. mind reading.
This issue does affect the way I interact with people, if I think they know what goes on in the depths of my mind.
Absolutely you shouldn’t. Don’t wait until it gets worse, then it becomes significantly harder and creates a much longer recovery. I am three steps up on my Zyprexa right now and possibly looking at more. Trying not to beat myself up for not having the insight to get the help I needed sooner. Your insight is intact, your feelings are right on target and your intuition correct. I hope you find another practitioner ASAP so you can not only get good relief, but also prevent a bigger relapse.