DC thinks they're being controlled WTF

[frustratedgirlmum]

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!!!

What types of therapy have you tried? What does their GP say? What does the school say - can they do their school work, do they socialise with other children?

Does the voice stop them from doing things they don’t want to do (school, appointments, leaving the house) or does it stop them from doing things they like/want? What is child’s day to day routine, do they exercise, eat healthy etc? What sort of internet access do they have?

I’m so sorry OP - it’s hard. My dad has similar (though it’s from time to time, not constant). I’m assuming you’ve seen lots of medical professionals? Are they giving you much advice? I’d maybe look at seeing if there are any support groups to join - online or in person if you can x

I would be very concerned about this, I agree there's a risk of schizophrenia. Have you taken them to the GP?

You need specialist medical support.

this is not a therapy issue this is a GP/psychiatrist issue.

if they have not seen a GP get them to one asap.

Any good counsellor/therapist should have picked up these signals and signposted your DC on for psychiatric assessment. The fact this clearly didn’t happen in the therapy you said you’ve tried, makes me wonder about the nature/quality of it.

Failing that you need to go to your GP about this asap.

Where did you source the therapy? They really need to see a qualified Psychiatrist and a qualified Psychologist. It sounds like an early intervention plan is needed, which is usually aimed at adults with similar difficulties and offered via an 'early intervention' service, but for children would be sourced via CAMHS and should include family therapy.

Who provided the therapy?

This is a v serious matter and needs addressing asap.

What has the psychiatrist said? If they haven’t seen one, they need to.

What a bunch of unqualified randoms on mumsnet think really isn’t relevant here

Is there a possibility your 13 yr old has been using any substances? Cannabis?

They need to see a psychiatrist, they can’t just refuse medication if they need it, they’re 13! It does sound like it could be schizophrenia so really does need to be diagnosed and treated properly

Have they experienced a lot of trauma?

@MJSavesTheDay She hasn’t because we check everything and she doesn’t usually go out anyway.
@loropianalover It stops them from doing most things it doesn’t approve of, at least that’s what I’m thinking. They eat ok and exercise probably on the lower side but internet access is very heavily monitored.

I think this is a bit beyond MN tbh.
I will echo other posters and suggest an emergency appointment with a gp if you haven't had one already.
Obviously you'll get a hand hold and support but you definitely need expert advice.

Have they seen a qualified mental health professional via CAMHS?

@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.

13 year olds can refuse treatment- I found this out when my ds refused a vaccination

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

Op I have no advice but I didn’t want to read and run.

is there a history of mental illness in the family?

such a worry for you

You said in the op that she has refused medication?

Can you see a different gp? Might be worth a second opinion . I hope you can see someone who will help

@Senchild Yes, medication for other things, not related to this specific thing.

What does it not approve of? Can you also clarify the types of therapies tried and for how long, and what psychiatric interventions have been made?

You also said child refuses medication, but followed up that medication options have not been given to you as there’s no diagnosis yet, what medications did child refuse and who were these prescribed by?

wishing you the best OP.

@paintedpotoflove Yep, pretty long history on both sides of the family, particularly mine. This is why I consider schizophrenia to be a possibility.

Just be prepared as we had an issue with vaccines and medication that if a gp or any dr thinks the child can make a decision they can refuse anything even at 13

What have the GP and doctors suggested?

I hope one of the doctors was a Psychiatrist and one was a Psychologist and both were under CAMHS. If not, that's what you need to be asking for asap.

It's unlikely she would be diagnosed with a serious mental disorder at this age. It is possible the Psychiatrist and Psychologist are monitoring to establish if the 'entity' is of a psychosis type or more of a personality trait manifestation.

Although you may want a diagnosis, it's unlikely to be helpful at this age. What is more helpful is understanding the origin of the entity/voices, thinking about environmental contributors and any trauma or outside abuse (not suggesting anyone in your family has abused your child - but you need to consider trauma that could have arisen anywhere/elsewhere and allow your child ample opportunity to raise it in case this is the case), possibly ruling out medical causes (such as tumors, brain abnormalities etc..) ...

You really do need to make sure your child is seeing the right professionals and that you are fully aware of which professionals they have seen and what their care plan is.

@loropianalover It doesn't approve of most things, e.g if she does badly on a test she will be 'punished' somehow by the voice (I have no idea what this means to be honest.)
We've tried the following -

• Equine therapy, done for ~2 years
• 'Normal' therapy, pretty much for her whole life
• Coaching, done for about a year and a half
• Art therapy, done for a few months
• Play therapy, done for roughly a year
• CBT, a year and a half
• EMDR, 6 months
• Exposure therapy, ~a year

+ I could go on, but these are the ones we've spent a bigger portion of time on. Interventions made by the GP, former therapists, doctors, school, teachers and coaches, as well as psychiatrist. She refused ADHD medication prescribed by her doctor as well as other sickness related medicines like antibiotics etc.