Post natal psychotic depression? 3 yrs later still taking antipsychotics!

[Khalessi]

Hi all, I was diagnosed with postpartum psychotic depression after my third child, although I don't see how this diagnosis can still stand. The onset of my last episode started before I was pg (not sleeping, thinking my husband was putting speed in my food, poor self care etc). I improved during pregnancy and was on antidepressants only. A few months after the birth things deteriorated again and I had psychotic symptoms and was diagnosed and started antipsychotics.
Three years later and I'm still on antipsychotics and anti depressants. The last attempt to reduce did not go well and I began to have difficulty functioning, thought disorder again, paranoia, low mood etc.
I've since switched to a different antipsychotic and remain on highest dose of anti depressant.
My diagnosis has not changed... How can this be?
The mental health team just want me on the meds as I'm stable on them. The discharge me as soon as I'm stable.
I just want a proper assessment and diagnosis. I was lead to believe I'd only be on meds for a few months :(
CMHT won't see me as I'm stable and have "appropriate medications".
What should I do?

[Khalessi]

Anyone?

[thornbird123]

Go to private for diagnosis?

[Theboulderhascaughtupwithme]

Hi khalessi

Sounds like you have had a really rough time. Hope you are doing ok now?

It sounds like what you would like is the opportunity to sit down and have a discussion about what your options and prognosis might be in the future?? I think this is really sensible and I cannot see any reason why you could not have a review with the Psychiatrist. You would not necessarily need to be open to CMHT for that to happen.

I think it must be incredibly difficult when a person wants to be free of medication but has found that their condition deteriorates when they try to reduce. I work in mental health and find that for some people it does help to think of a mental health problem as being akin to a physical health issue, ie something which may be chronic and you may need medication long term but that should not interfere to much with day to day life.

Is there anything specific you would want to bring up at a Review? Would you like to try alternative meds? Are you having unacceptable side effects on your current regime?

[Khalessi]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking going private might be an option, it's do-able but would be a massive struggle.
I kind of don't want a diagnosis as I'm scared what it might be, but the positive is I may be able to access a different mh team. In my area there are two cmhts, one general and one for more serious mh conditions for which you need a diagnosis eg schizophrenia, bipolar etc. the general one is shit and aren't interested unless I'm in crisis whereas the other team are much better for longer term treatment.
The whole thing sucks.