Mom's doctor thinks she is in psychosis. It's a two month wait to get into a psychiatrist for treatment. Any coping tips to deal with this?

When the mental health portion of my insurance told me that (after the first visit), the therapist I just saw wasn't available....for more than 5 months, I was amazed! Then why did you book me with her? One visit is barely getting started. She recommended a psychiatrist, who put me on mind altering meds that I stopped after 3 days. It was their way of "taking care" of me without actually having talk therapy. It didn't work for me, I questioned further. They recommend an "outside the plan" group that they subcontract with.
Is there a way your mom could be referred to another "out of group" psychiatrist? It would be worthwhile to ask, especially since the wait is so long.

Surely, the primary doctor can call a geriatric psychiatrist for a medication recommendation while she's waiting.

This is a last resort. When a psychotic episode is starting, take your Mom to ER. You can say she threatened to hurt you. They will have to deal with it and probably medicate her and order a referral. Refuse to take her home because she has threatened to hurt you and you are scared of her. Get the hospital social worker involved. She'll be the one to find temporary placement in a psych facility. Agree to the facility being in the next town, if you're ok with that.

I'm so sorry. I remember when my Mom would hit, spit, scream and fight during her stay with us. She's on a bunch of meds now and is much more calm. If nothing else, the primary MD can at least prescribe some anti-anxiety meds to level her out.

I'm sorry for your situation. Many of us can relate.

I don't think that leaving psychosis untreated is a good plan.

Do any of your close by University Hospitals have a psychiatric ER? Or a Senior Behavioral Unit? I would get her into one for inpatient treatment the next time she loses contact with reality.

What is your mother's doctor's plan for immediate and short-term treatment?

It is, obviously, not acceptable for psychosis to go untreated for two months. If he really thinks she is having a psychotic episode he needs to act.

Take her to the ER. They will have someone to do a basic evaluation. If she is having a psychotic episode they will refer to a provider who can see her quickly. If it is a severe episode they may admit her further evaluation and medication management.

Thank your for all of your advice, it has been very helpful. I am in contact with her sister who is a nurse and we are making arrangements. I'm not afraid of her hurting me (she's way too frail) it just the emotional toll from the things she says. She has a rather sharp tongue, always has.

Unfortunately we live in a rather remote area and choices in doctors are limited, especially for Medicare recipients. There just isn't enough money to attract the best and brightest. Looks like we are going to have to wait for the referral unless my Aunt can pull some strings.

I just can't believe that the doctor isn't being more proactive about all of this. Although to be fair, my Mom can put on a pretty good show of being "normal" when she has to.

How far are you from a larger or major metropolitan area where there are more doctors to choose from? Two months' wait is to me unacceptable, and irresponsible. I think the referring doctor could be much more proactive and find someone. That's what the greatest doctors we've had would do.

I would consult with her doctors about this. Tell them what you’ve told us, that Mom’s mental issues are stressing you to the limit and it’s becoming impossible for you to deal. It worries me that Mom may become physical and injure you or herself. They may suggest she go somewhere that she can be cared for. I know that my doctor recommended a therapist for me, but like your mom’s doctor, she said it would take months to get an appointment. I was able, on my own, to find a therapist who takes my insurance and could get me in the following week.

If that’s not possible, see if you can get home health care to give you a break during the day. But, I’d start with her doctor and tell them their recommendation is not working out for you and you need another option.

We went to the ER yesterday. The final straw was Mom letting her beloved dog out a door to the yard with no fence and the dog getting lost at 5 in the morning. My lab and I found her and brought her back. Mom was totally disoriented and confused about the house we've lived in for 13 years.

After an evaluation, she was admitted to psych. As of this morning in not sure where we are at. I called her and she was distraught and crying saying she was in prison. I reassures her that we are just trying to get her well. I can't visit her until this evening. I hope she can be helped. This is so hard.

I'm glad to read this update, too. Thanks!

{{{Hugs}}} Issybeau