Psychosis and Olanzapine

[Jewelbeetle]

My OH was started on Olanzapine for psychosis at 10mg April 1st and brought down to 5mg quickly mid June (to be maintained until September). He still believes the delusions he had prior to starting medication, but is not developing new ones. Should I be concerned? They were obviously ‘real’ to him at the time so seem to have formed solid memories. Psychosis is as a result of TBI (ironically also causing memory issues, but the crazy stuff seems to stick)

DB takes olanzapine for schizophrenia.

I read somewhere it's better to say ' that must be scary for you ' or something like that rather than try and debate whether they are real or not.

DB is now able to say when he's been having 'wacky thoughts' which to most people wouldn't seem a big deal but to me it's like incredible to hear him have that insight - shows enormous progress.

My adult DD also takes olanzapine for psychosis. Although she is not experiencing new delusions, she still firmly believes that the original delusions did happen.
That is positive that your DB has some insight Aqua. I hope for the same outcome for my DD and Jewels OH.

I think this likely fades over time.

DB used to say things like they tricked me, but now might refer to snapshots of things that happened at the time and feelings. If I pressed him on the 'delusions' specifically now he'd probably say 'I don't know', rather than yes that never happened. Memory does fade and it's not a hill I need to die on!

There's a book called Henry's Demons - it's about a boy with schizophrenia (not just psychosis) but I found it quite interesting. His dad was a journalist and its written in the style of one chapter by his dad and one chapter by Henry.

Should add, DB had his first (only) psychosis episode in 2004 at 26. Is now 47.

Took ages to get his meds right but taking it consistently has been key.

Also family support- knowing they are loved, knowing you are a constant, is huge.

That is such a positive outcome Aqua.
DD was really drunk when first delusion happened and unfortunately she 'remembers' it clearly. It involves DH & Me drugging her, which is really upsetting to hear.
Sometimes, I can see delusion weakening as initially MI5 were involved but now she says she doesn't know who was spying on her.
Great that your DB has improved so much. Can I ask does he now work/live independently?

Thank you posting, this does reassure me a lot, just to hear a similar experience

He tried retraining as a plumber then electrician and had a stint as a volunteer mental health support worker. Doesn't work now, but is a good artist and has lots of friends. Several female friends of his with severe mh issues went onto jobs, into the family business, etc.

He went into supported accommodation for a year or so and has lived independently since then - private rented and now with a Housing Association.