Should I trust my pdoc?

I saw my pdoc today and explained the paranoia and hallucinations I've been having and he essentially said they weren't anything to be worried about. I feel like this is dangerous? Maybe it's normal to get hidden messages in music and think you're being watched in your room.

I don't know what to believe now.

I often get hallucinations and paranoid delusions both during and outside episodes, although I'm fine now.

As long as I'm not a danger to myself and as long as my voices aren't commanding, my therapist helps me work through these things by teaching me coping mechanisms and giving me ideas on how to distract myself from them.

I'm not saying it's not a big deal, but psychiatrists and therapists are mostly concerned about self danger and danger to others. That's probably why he said there isn't anything to be worried about. HOWEVER, if you are legitimately concerned and you feel that you are at risk for hurting yourself or others, definitely tell your psychiatrist and therapist (if you have one). That's something your psychiatrist and therapist need to know.

One positive is that you know you had paranoia and hallucinations. If you didn't, you wouldn't be telling him that. You'd still be having them and/or believing them to be true. Knowing you had them (past tense) may lead him to believe you're improving.

If you continue to experience more disturbing events, let your psychiatrist know. If he doesn't adjust your medications with continuing symptoms, then maybe you do need to see someone else, especially if it is distressing you, or as bluebicycle wrote, making you feel a danger to yourself or others.

Ah I see now. I was under the impression from several different people that if I were to experience any of this stuff I should seek help immediately.

Well, they're not wrong--you should seek help immediately when any kind of psychosis kicks up because sometimes we can't see when we're a danger to ourselves, especially when we're delusional. But if a professional thinks you're safe, then you just need to monitor things carefully and keep people informed.

Again, if you're still concerned, you should tell your psychiatrist how much you are bothered and tell them to help you. Remember, psychiatrists and therapists can't read minds, and so sometimes they don't know how severe things may be for you. You have to let them know HOW bad things are... because if they think you're fine and you DON'T think you're fine, then I think there is a disconnect.

I think if/when a person does, they should definitely let their psychiatrist know immediately. I'm guessing you did. I guess his reaction/reassurance may indicate he feels you're doing better and all's well now. If you disagree, or people close to you disagree, he needs to know, or you maybe should seek a second opinion. Are the paranoia and hallucinations you had the first ever? I hope he asked other questions.

He didn't really ask questions. I've had some psychosis before, but nothing as weird as this. And it was usually when I was manic that it would happen.

Being aware is a huge thing. I know mine are not real so I don’t worry until I start questioning them.

My Pdoc said it’s normal for “ me”

Lots of thoughtful advice here.

I hope you are more comfortable soon.

WC

I totally agree with you I was going to suggest a 2nd opinion too. He does need to know how his patient, client feels. As you wrote mh professionals aren't mind readers.

Take this from someone who has never experienced psychosis.

How about psychosis and driving? If psychosis gets bad enough, I do not see how one can function very well. I imagine it would be difficult and confusing too. I would do something about it before it gets worse. IMVHO I think psychosis is nothing to play around with. I would phone the pdoc. What would this take? Ten minutes of your time? Worst case is pdoc will tell you there is no cause for concern and note this in your chart. Otherwise, he can make a med change which means you do not have to needlessly experience the psychosis. Why would you when you do not need to? I see many here have done the same thing and received a med change. I think this would be a positive and productive solution to the problem. BWDIK

No. Don't trust any shrink. Get a 10th opinion.
They play the guessing game. Not all. Only 99.99999% do.