Does untreated DD always get worse?

My brother seems to have mild delusions--thinks movies are being made about him, or movies have secret messages for him, that he is extremely powerful/influential, that he has found important flaws in scientific theories that the establishment refuses to acknowledge, etc.

My question is, is it necessary to get him into treatment? He is completely functional at work, and these mild delusions of grandeur seem to help his self-esteem. I do worry about the effect they have on his children, and it causes other strains in the family, but it seems pretty mild compared to other stories I read on this board.

The only reason to get him into treatment (if it's even possible--I don't know how I'd convince him) would be if this is likely to get worse. Five years from now will we wish we'd done something when he still had some contact with reality? I'm planning to talk to a psychologist to get more info but it's hard to get away from work the next few weeks, so I was wondering if any of you have thoughts or advice. What is the course of the disease if left untreated, and what are the warning signs that tell you it's getting worse?

(And my deep, deep sympathies to those of you going through this with a spouse. I've been reading the stories on this forum and my heart goes out to you.)

My spouse started suddenly with the same delusions. He doesnt think he is sick, refused meds and did deteriorate. We were constantly in conflict because he wanted me to agree with his theories and beliefs. I refused to be drawn into his world. Two small children needed me sane. He started to coinfuse and scare the kids with his bizarre behaviour and words. He snappedassaulted me. He had never been violent to me in our 30 years together. I had to divorce him. There was no other way to stay safe. Children are with me. Ive read a lot about this illness. 90 percent of marriages dont survive. Without mediucal treatment delusions get worse the persons health deterioirates. Very sad to hear another family being affected.

I can't speak for anyone else but I've experienced delusions for many years that started due to a traumatic experience. Partly because of this forum I've come to accept that they are just that, delusions. I am tremendously relieved. I have been adjusting my whole thinking process for a few days now and I have so much more peace.

My therapist and physicians's assistant have been saying that they were delusions for about a year, (erotomania and fear of past abuser in my case), but until just recently I was unwilling to accept it. I also have been going off multiple pschycopharmaceuticals and switching to homeopathic medications which I believe helped as well.

So, I believe for some anyway, there is hope. I don't believe in ever giving up on anyone.

Yes it can get worse untreated. Several years ago, I was off medication for about a year. Then I had a bad relapse. I can remember being irritable in the months proceeding the exacerbation. I faithfully take my medication and I am doing great, and yes my marriage did survive.

Hi,
From personal experience for me the medication is effective. Like Undone, I was taken off medication and experienced an intense relapse years ago. So for me the medication is essential. I'm not sure that it is the right thing for everyone. Sorta trial and error. You have to try the meds to see if they work. Unfortunately they don't have predictive tests to know what meds will work, or even clear diagnostic criteria.

I mean, we are all lumped together by symptoms without a clear understanding of the biology of the diseases. I've read there are over 100 genetic variations within the diagnosis of schizophrenia alone. So, there are probably a lot of different diseases currently called the same thing. If the medication doesn't work, then it may be that we have yet to know what the illness is. I'm lucky in that my symptoms respond to treatment with anti-psychotic medications. I live a good life taking them, and haven't had a symptom in a very long time (year or more).

The best case is to try the medications, and see if the symptoms go away. The longer I went untreated, the harder it was to come back to the reality I share with the people around me. The delusions have a way of sneaking into memory banks and corrupting memories. I recommend getting help as soon as signs of delusions are noted. This can be challenging to get loved ones to agree to. But, there are resources like Amador's "I'm not sick and I don't need help" book. Also, your local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapter/helpline can be a great starting place for how to navigate treatment for mental illness in your state.
Sunny

I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this. I know first-hand how it can threaten to tear a family apart. When I go into full blown mania/psychosis, then I start to believe things such as I'm on a 'Big Brother' style show, the doctors are trying to poison me, I can communicate with evil spirits etc. etc.

Basically what has helped me is taking meds like Zyprexa/Olanzapine (but only when needed as I have bipolar). It sounds as if your brother requires this all the time. Plus, trying to cut down on stress and leading a healthy lifestyle helps to prevent episodes, too. He can also read up on his disorder once he's well, to help him gain insight. Hope this helps.

I agree that medication is absolutely necessary for some people. There is genetic testing available now that will help your health care provider determine which medications will work well with you and which ones won't. I had this done and it was very informative. I would recommend it for anyone on psych meds.

MsInsomniac wrote:I agree that medication is absolutely necessary for some people. There is genetic testing available now that will help your health care provider determine which medications will work well with you and which ones won't. I had this done and it was very informative. I would recommend it for anyone on psych meds.

Do you mean genetic tests like 23andme?

This sounds similar to my (ex) boyfriend (I have another thread about this). Although he has right now had a cannabis psychosis so I would advice you to ensure your brother doesn't smoke cannabis. But, before my bf started smoking again he was off it for 2 years (he smoked before our relationship the other times) and to me - yes he had delusions but he was doing perfectly fine in life and had no issues with finances or anything like that. But it kind of seems as though the only help that is being offered is medication. My bf now doesn't get offered any sort of psychiatric support other than that, but I feel like he really just needs someone to talk to, to get help clearing out his thoughts and realizing they are delusions. I mean some people here say they have realized they are delusional thanks to this forum, reading other peoples' stories. Why do the psychiatrists only want to treat people with meds rather than talking?