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February 03, 2012
Peter
In our final visit to the psychiatric ward, we today read the case notes of Peter.
Episode 5) Famous musician or unhappy young man?
Peter has had had a difficult life, but then who hasn't in here?
Peter suffered particularly in his early years, when the damage is done, as his mother also suffers from schizophrenia. They're often admitted to the hospital at the same time as he lives near her still and they frequently see each other.
When Peter is unwell he is very grandiose and believes he is a famous musician and has millions in the bank. He also claims to know famous people and describes a very exciting life outside of hospital.
But it seems that when he is more well, he is a very unhappy young man who didn't really have a chance when young and apart from a council flat, has nothing and no one to care for him.
He gets involved with drugs a lot in the community which doesn't help his state of mind. In hospital, however, he is generally pleasant and likes to be liked. It is his second home and one where he is cared for.
When told he may be in for a while longer, however, he can get very angry and abusive towards staff and he will often try to go AWOL if he sees an opportunity.
Although he gets on everybody's nerves, the staff all feel sorry for him and humour him as much as possible while also trying not to collude with his delusions.
Posted by Mr Bojangles at February 3, 2012 08:08 AM