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Original poster

DC thinks they're being controlled WTF

162 replies

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 16:29

Hi,
My DC who is 13 is under the impression they are being controlled by an entity inside their mind. They have not disclosed the name of this entity but lives in fear of it and says things like...

  • 'I can't do this or [the entity] will hurt me.'
  • 'I'm not safe around [the entity]'
  • 'Please help me, I'm in danger because of [the entity]
They also cycle through processes of loving and hating this entity. It all seemed to begin happening around their 13th birthday last year - they now spends huge amounts of time talking to themself (or the entity). I think this entity is like an abusive partner/something abusive; they can't remove themselves from it but has been very, very since it came into the picture. We've tried all kinds of therapy, nothing works, they don't try, refuses medication, I'm really not too sure what I'm supposed to do now. I've been worrying it could be schizophrenia or something worse and keeping myself up at night because of it but I'm just terrified to face that reality... I sometimes think I'm unreasonable for thinking that way/ Looking for advice/hand holds and also WTF!!!
OP posts:
Organic82 · 31/03/2025 19:12

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 19:10

@Organic82 Yes, because that was our former psychiatrist that was part of a former intervention.

And how was that particular intervention left?

and the school?! Surely you are in contact with them practically daily?

Original poster
frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 19:10

@Organic82 Yes, because that was our former psychiatrist that was part of a former intervention.

OP posts:
Fruitytutti223 · 31/03/2025 19:10

Annabel28 · 31/03/2025 17:58

Psychiatrist here.

A 13 year old with possible psychosis would typically be seen within two weeks (if referred to early intervention).

This sounds very much trauma-based/emerging personality but complex nonetheless and you would get much more joined up care with the NHS than by picking individual private providers who don't tend to take an MDT approach. An Early Intervention Service would be best placed to assess and monitor, and they don't come privately.

Show quote history

This.

Psychosis is a medical emergency.

NHS is really good in this area with their early intervention teams. World leading debatably.

I have no idea how its taken a year or what waiting list your on? This is a crisis and needs immediate emergency care.

I say this as someone myself who suffered psychosis. They really threw the kitchen sink at me within days of appearing on their radar. Thankfully fully recovered and so far have evaded a schizophrenia diagnosis.

You need to go and kick up an incredible fuss OP. Crisis teams, GP, A&E, 999 even. Whatever you have do to get her seen.

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 19:10

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 19:09

loropianalover · 31/03/2025 19:07

I’m not completely sure either. But on page 1 OP said

Interventions made by the GP, former therapists, doctors, school, teachers and coaches, as well as psychiatrist.

Show quote history

But then also says that she’s looking in to this and “hoping to find one ASAP”

Original poster
frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 19:09

@Organic82 I’ve mentioned this before but this is the final time I’ll say it again. Refused meds for other things, like ADHD. Meds not presented for current situation.

OP posts:
loropianalover · 31/03/2025 19:07

thestudio · 31/03/2025 19:01

Hold on, I don't think psychiatrists have been involved yet from your updates? Just 'therapists'.

I am very pro-psychotherapy but I think this sounds like an urgent psychiatric referral, preferably one who works with (or even is) a child & adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapist.

This is definitely not something that CBT could handle.

I’m not completely sure either. But on page 1 OP said

Interventions made by the GP, former therapists, doctors, school, teachers and coaches, as well as psychiatrist.

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 19:04

She's currently with a therapist, who suggested a psychiatrist. We're currently looking for a new psychiatrist and hope to find one ASAP.

so you’ve not been referred to one? That’s odd given what you have described.

This needs to be your priority op.

thestudio · 31/03/2025 19:01

Hold on, I don't think psychiatrists have been involved yet from your updates? Just 'therapists'.

I am very pro-psychotherapy but I think this sounds like an urgent psychiatric referral, preferably one who works with (or even is) a child & adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapist.

This is definitely not something that CBT could handle.

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 18:59

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 16:42

@maw1681 The possibility of medication hasn’t been presented to us before because we haven’t been able to get a diagnosis so far. But yes I will make them take it if the possibility is given to us.

But you said she refuses medication,

but now… it’s never even been presented as an option to you

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 18:55

Ok so it’s just you and her

GPs, the school, therapist, psychiatrists have all been extensively involved but what has been the output of these interactions beyond you’re on a waiting list.

what has the school done? What have psychiatrists suggested?

Original poster
frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 18:54

@Organic82 No.

OP posts:
Organic82 · 31/03/2025 18:53

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 18:36

@Organic82 No, only violence to herself/threats of violence.

Threats of violence to herself?

Does she have a siblings op?

NotQuiteUsual · 31/03/2025 18:47

As someone who has been through psychosis this sounds similar to what I experienced. Its definitely a problem beyond therapists and you absolutely need a psychiatrist. They'll be able to diagnose your dc and sort medication.

I truly couldn't have gotten better without the support the my local early intervention in psychosis team. In my area they see patients from 12 I believe. So it's worth looking into if there's a team in your area. It's NHS but they could be a great help alongside a private psychiatrist. You really do need experts in psychosis to get you guys through this.

Anonymouseposter · 31/03/2025 18:44

SpoonyCat · 31/03/2025 18:42

I think the poster was aiming that at the mother for some reason

Show quote history

If she was it was a very stupid remark.

SpoonyCat · 31/03/2025 18:42

JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 31/03/2025 18:39

I think it was this part. ”sounds more like Munchausen syndrome and attention seeking.”

Show quote history

I think the poster was aiming that at the mother for some reason

Anonymouseposter · 31/03/2025 18:40

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 18:36

@Organic82 No, only violence to herself/threats of violence.

I would be very insistent with the GP that they push the CAMHS referral and with the school that they back it up and contact the early intervention team. I agree with the people saying that the NHS service with all the back up services they can access is going to be the most helpful here.

JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 31/03/2025 18:39

overthinkersanonnymus · 31/03/2025 17:47

Nowhere did I suggest this child was displaying symptoms relating to munchausens.

Show quote history

I think it was this part. ”sounds more like Munchausen syndrome and attention seeking.”

Original poster
frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 18:36

@Organic82 No, only violence to herself/threats of violence.

OP posts:
TheGaaTheSkaAndTheRa · 31/03/2025 18:33

Annabel28 · 31/03/2025 17:58

Psychiatrist here.

A 13 year old with possible psychosis would typically be seen within two weeks (if referred to early intervention).

This sounds very much trauma-based/emerging personality but complex nonetheless and you would get much more joined up care with the NHS than by picking individual private providers who don't tend to take an MDT approach. An Early Intervention Service would be best placed to assess and monitor, and they don't come privately.

Show quote history

This.

You are describing symptoms that my Mum used to get.

She had textbook schizophrenia although it started later than 13.

Back then the medications were brutal but I understand things are better now and you are right about the heredity of it.

I chose not to have kids but my brother and sister have both had DC and the tendency is def there.

Anonymouseposter · 31/03/2025 18:31

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 17:22

@MJSavesTheDay We can afford private, and NHS waiting lists are quite long.

Waiting lists can be very long but more serious cases are prioritised. If the GP and school keep pressing and there is a concern re harm to self or others CAMHS should prioritise. I think they would prioritise emerging serious mental illness. It depends on the GP stressing the severity .

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 18:20

You mention violence

Has she been violent with you / siblings / classmates?

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 18:19

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 16:45

she’s met with a GP, doctors, therapist etc.

And? How’s it actually been left with them all?

Organic82 · 31/03/2025 18:17

MJSavesTheDay · 31/03/2025 17:38

What do you suggest the OP does about that?

Show quote history

The OP barely mentions the school being remotely engaged.

And I’m surprised because if she’s the same at school…. Most schools would be very very involved because the amount of disruption she’ll be causing in class would be extensive

Annabel28 · 31/03/2025 18:16

MotherJessAndKittens · 31/03/2025 18:02

Sorry but it does sound like she does have schizophrenia which can appear during adolescence and sounds like she needs meds for psychosis. I'm with others in that she needs an urgent referral to CAMHS and would be firm with pushing for it. There are emergency admissions to CAMHS and it sounds like she needs that before it escalates.

As another mental health professional has pointed out, many conditions can present in a similar way, including trauma, OCD and other anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders etc. Schizophrenia in this age group would be incredibly rare - I've worked in mental health services for many years, including with this age group, and they simply don't dole out life-changing diagnoses like that to 13-year-olds because so much can change.

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