Greg and Oline
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘I don’t know where to turn because everyone seems to think [psychotropic] medication is the only answer.’
Greg has a rare chromosomal disorder resulting in a cognitive disability and behavioural problems.
His mother Oline told the Royal Commission his behavioural problems have increased over the years.
Oline said Greg, now in his early 40s, is usually a happy person with a great sense of humour. However, this can change in an instant and he will yell, scream and self-harm.
Doctors and family members want Greg to take large doses of antipsychotic medication each day.
But Oline is opposed to this. She said the medication turns Greg into a zombie and he sleeps all day and night. ‘This is very peaceful but not a very good solution. He can’t live like this.’
Often Greg’s outbursts only last a few hours or days. ‘If he was on medication I would never know when he was okay,’ Oline said. ‘Even though these episodes are stressful for me, continual medication is not the answer.’
Doctors believe continuous medication might prevent Greg having psychotic episodes. However, Oline said Greg has only had a few psychotic episodes in his life. These can last from two to four weeks. ‘He goes for walks and throws things and yells,’ Oline said.
Not long ago Oline went on holidays and Greg had an episode while he was staying with his dad. By the time Oline picked him up she could see he had been overmedicated with antipsychotics.
Oline took him to the doctor who gave Greg another prescription. The pharmacist listened to Oline and suggested Greg reduce the medication until he was off it. ‘Within a couple of weeks he was back to his old self.’
Oline is not against Greg using medication. She knows he needs certain drugs to calm him down when he can’t regulate his behaviours.
Recently Greg needed to go to hospital for a general anaesthetic for dental work. They live several hours from the hospital and Greg needed to be there at 7.30 am. Olive wanted him to be admitted the night before so they could give him some premedication to calm him before the procedure the next day. But the hospital refused and Greg and Oline stayed the night in a motel.
‘This proved to be a traumatic time. He got out of the car and ran down the street and it took over an hour to get him to the motel room. I was worried he would run out on the road.’ Greg continued to scream and self-harm during the night.
Oline wants alternatives to psychotropic medication. ‘Behavioural support is helpful but does not solve the problem. I would like to know what’s causing it. But doctors are too quick to prescribe medication,’ she said.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.