Hello @DoctorDr thanks for the AMA. I have a relative who was sectioned for psychosis. Section 2 then 3. Prior to this they were drinking every night, sometimes to excess, sometimes not. They said it was self medicating. On admission, their test results showed liver under distress. Aside from their psychosis, they always had a suspicious personality, inability to take accountability for their actions and preferred to blame others. Also had the attitude that the world was against them etc, and would be prone to angry outbursts. Delusions were all persecutory. Looking back, the psychosis ramped up over the course of a year but in retrospect there have been signs for years of delusional thinking, just less intense.
Since they were discharged, they have returned to drinking most nights. They have been on antipsychotics and SSRIs for coming up to a year. We have concerns that the alcohol will lead to a relapse, but they are not at the point of admitting it's a problem or communicating to family about it. They ignore or shut down any attempts.
I guess my ama is, is this behaviour re alcohol abuse common and does it often lead to relapse? If so, why does it? And is it typical that psychosis can present for years before becoming a crisis? And if so, what is the long term impact of this? They're also not the 'same' person they were before, if that makes sense. Very remote. Thank you.