So here my take. I’ve only been hospitalized twice and both times were in the last 4 years. Up until 4 years ago I was in a near constant psychosis, sometimes better, sometimes worse. I had a really good psych team who kept me out of the hospital and respected my fear of antipsychotics. I’d do anything to have that team back. I saw a therapist weekly and my pdoc monthly. I wrote to my therapist every day though. We would discuss the highlights when I came in. Now I see a psych nurse 4x a year. If I need anything then the hospital’s my only option and I’ll wait it out before going back there.

It depends the level of support you can get/give. Is he alone at any time? Can you handle his concerns in a constructive way? Are you able to secure all harmful items in case he gets impulsive? Are the other kids scared? Is there a day program he can go to? Is the school coming in with a tutor? Does he have a “rescue” antipsychotic?

I now deal with only low level of psychosis which heighten when I’m alone. It’s a stressful world I live in but it’s better than the med side effects. I have no access to sharp objects and am really not left alone very often. If you can set up your home to be safe while he rides it out and you have outside support then keep him home. If you can’t then hospitalization is needed.