[avalon]

My 23 yr. old daughter has recently been hospitalized for paranoia and delusions. She also has permanent hearing loss in one ear that coincided with her psychological symptoms. She was an inpatient for five weeks, was released for 1 1/2 weeks and presently is in the hospital again. And NO ONE seems to know what is wrong with her. The doctor hasn't ruled out scitzophrenia but says he doesn't believe it to be her problem. He tentively suggested major depression with psychotic features.

Last year, my daughter went to college, maintained her own home and worked. She also recently married a US Marine and was planning to move. For the past eight to ten months, she has been withdrawn, quit college and flitted from job to job. A week prior to her hospitalization, she also smoked a large quantity of marijuana.

Her doctor prescribed Respidol, Haldol, Zoloft, Atavan and Cogenten (she had a reaction to the Respidol and they prescribed the Cogenten to counter the side effects). Her paranoia has subsided somewhat but she now is constantly tearful and frequently becomes hysterical. The doctor and hospital staff attribute it to stress and she was discharged with the diagnosis of "psychosis nos".

My family has been sick with concern for her and to make matters worse, her exhusand has gained temporary custody of their 3 year old daughter whom is the light of my daughter's life. He is seeking permanent custody based on her illness.

If anyone has experienced related symptoms or problems, I would appreciate your insight. I am a complete loss.

[mj14]

I don't have any experience with those symptoms, but I was wondering if she had a CT-scan or MRI of her head, to rule out the possibility of something being physically wrong with her. The main reason I am asking is because of the hearing loss, which sounds odd to me (please keep in mind that I'm not a doctor, so my opinion is certainly not an expert one).

Also, is she in therapy now? Perhaps you could go with her to an appointment, or talk to the therapist on your own, to try to get some professional advice on the best way to handle her situation.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck.

mj

[avalon]

Yes. She was given an MRI and CT scan but there were no abnormalities. I agree that the hearing loss seems significant as it occured simultaneously with her symptoms. Thanks so much and we will definately get her therapy.

Avalon

[Zenobia]

During the deepest part of my depression right before I went into the hospital I became paranoid and started hearing voices. It was a scary thing. I am sorry your daughter is going through this right now. I was under a high level of stress at the time which I think may have caused the psychotic episodes. I responded well to the meds. The voices went away immediatly and the paranoia tappered down with a little therapy and time. I don't know if it is possible but do you think you could get at least partial custody of your Grandchild? I have heard it done before. Just a thought.
Zen

<font color=blue>I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but, it comes from within. It is there alll the time.--Anna Freud