My 30-year-old brother may be experiencing his first episode of psychosis. Has anyone experienced something similar? How can our family help?
Hi everyone. My family is going through something concerning with my younger brother, and I’m hoping to hear from people who have experienced something similar, either personally or with a loved one.
My brother is 30 and has always been a little different socially. Growing up, he struggled in school, was diagnosed with ADHD, given adderall when he was very young, and had difficulty making friends and understanding certain social situations. As an adult, he’s struggled to maintain employment, has become increasingly isolated, and hasn’t always taken the best care of himself. He’s lived alone for about 10 years.
Over the past 6 months to a year, though, something has changed.
He became increasingly interested in religion (we did grow up going to church but were never overly religious), initially because he wanted to get his life on track and find more purpose. But eventually, that turned into what seems like paranoia and an obsession with demons and satanic activity.
It started when he believed an object in his home was possessed. He got rid of it and said he felt better afterward. Then he began repeatedly calling the police because he believed people were driving past his house and potentially targeting him.
More recently, he called the police because he believed there were strange scratches on his furniture that he associated with demonic activity, but the officers couldn’t see what he was describing.
He has also told a therapist that he sees eyeballs in his hands looking at him.
He voluntarily entered a short-term mental health facility for a three-day evaluation, which is where he is now.
What’s confusing is that when our parents speak with him, he sounds completely calm and normal. He isn’t noticeably manic or agitated. He genuinely seems to believe these things are happening.
We don’t have a diagnosis yet. I’m wondering whether this could be a first episode of psychosis, something on the schizophrenia spectrum, or potentially a neurological condition. Given his lifelong social and developmental difficulties, I’ve also wondered whether he may have undiagnosed autism or another neurodevelopmental condition.
I’m especially worried about him returning home alone after only three days.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar.
- Did your symptoms or your loved one’s symptoms begin with religious beliefs, paranoia, or unusual visual experiences?
- Could you or your loved one appear completely calm and normal while experiencing hallucinations or delusions?
- What ultimately helped you get an accurate diagnosis?
- What treatment, medication, or therapy made the biggest difference?
- How did your family support you without making you feel judged or dismissed?
- What should we advocate for before he’s discharged, especially since he lives alone?
I’m not looking for anyone to diagnose him, moreso just want to understand what he might be experiencing and learn how to support him in the most compassionate and effective way possible.
I love my brother, and I want him to have a chance at a happy, healthy, independent life. Thank you to anyone willing to share their experience.