Sunday, May 31, 2009

Word of the Day

Main Entry: psy·chot·ic
Pronunciation: \sī-ˈkä-tik\
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1890

: of, relating to, marked by, or affected with psychosis

— psychotic noun
— psy·chot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Psychosis is a severe mental condition in which there is a loss of contact with reality. There are many possible causes:

Alcohol and certain drugs
Brain tumorsDementia (including Alzheimer's)
Epilepsy
Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
Psychotic depression
Schizophrenia
Stroke

Symptoms:
Abnormal displays of emotion
Confusion
Depression and sometimes suicidal thoughts
Disorganized thought and/or speech
Extreme excitement (mania)
False beliefs (delusions)
Loss of touch with reality
Mistaken perceptions (illusions)
Seeing, hearing, feeling, or perceiving things that are not there (hallucinations)
Unfounded fear/suspicion


* * * * *

Is there ever a point in time when the last remaining family member who interacts with a psychotic individual is morally allowed to divest themselves of the same, knowing full well that the person is unable to cope on their own? Or is that individual required to continue contact due to ethical considerations?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

babe..it's time for a break..I understand the moral, ethical things you are thinking about. not as bas I who deals with my father..but still you need a break. it's tearing you up..And I guess I'm putting this out there.

I am being selfish. I don't like seeing you like this..Keep the block on for a while.

jo said...

Um, I don't know the details of this post, but it parallels something in my life.

What I have finally figured out: I come first. Period.

Detachment is key for me. When I made the decision to do so, the weight was off my shoulders and I woke up out of my pain-filled fog.

Adele said...

I think you've been nuts for all this time. The years after I severed the ties have been the best ones.

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