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!!!

@Organic82 No.

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?

But you said she refuses medication,

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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 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?

@Organic82 The former intervention went quite well and then it was left at that. And yes I am in contact w/ school daily.

Your DC needs to be seen by a psychiatrist asap. Therapy won’t help with unmedicated schizophrenia (if that’s what your DC suffers from). GP won’t be able to diagnose and treat properly either.

OP has already answered this. Why are you not reading her posts for information?

Whatever is going on this is 100 percent not a topic for mumsnet. This sounds like an early psychotic break/schizophrenic prodrome. Your GP and psychiatrist are being extremely remiss in not getting right on this and trying whatever they can to help her. Here in the US there are hospital/psychiatric based interventions aimed at early detection of schizophrenia. The topic/content of her beliefs is really not as relevant as the obvious psychotic process.

This is all odd and off

So why not go back to that psychiatrist?

anyway I’ll leave you be. I’d be very concerned though if I was one of the parents her classmates and day in and day out their classmate is talking to an entity in class and threatening violence or being violent to themselves. Must be very frightening for them indeed

And AIBU no less
Just adds to the “offness” about it all

It’s OCD

This does sound serious to me . I think you need specialist help .

Does she have extreme episodes? If so, you could take her to A & E, which could speed up getting her appropriate help. I suspect that even your local CAMHS might have to seek more appropriate help. Private therapists will undoubtedly be out of their depth.

This is not directed to any specific poster but please read my updates before you comment about something i’ve potentially already answered to clear things up…!

🙄

I'm so sorry @frustratedgirlmum but this does sound very much like the onset of paranoid schizophrenia which tends to really take off with puberty.

A good psychiatrist can make all the difference, as can support facilities to draw on during the day that aren't hospital. It's worth doing your research into areas that have the most facilities. MIND are excellent and it might be worth contacting your local one for recommendations.