Benzodiazepines can also cause anterograde amnesia, so an individual could have zero recollection of behaviours exhibited while medicated. I'd have never known if I hadn't gone through multiple reports. And even doing so... it's repeatedly dismissed.

Effects of those medications can include agitation, aggression, restlessness, and disinhibition; all of which can be seen as part of several serious psychiatric conditions. These conditions are ultimately treated with the same classes of medications, so it can lead to a cycle of medicating distress.

Medications used to manage patients in distress are usually a combination of antipsychotic and benzodiazepine. Both have higher incidence of paradoxical reactions in NDD population. But if the tranquilizing effect ultimately sedates/induces sleep, the effects would only be seen upon waking.

In my experiences, paradoxical reactions are often dismissed because of low prevalence. Apparently it's under 5% in general population. But that number jumps to 15-30% for those with neurodevelopmental conditions. And if treatment is involuntary, there could be a >60% chance of paradoxical reaction.

There's been a substantial increase in adult #autism and #ADHD diagnoses (and more undiagnosed), and they are frequently confused with mood/personality disorders, especially in women... how many people could be experiencing a similar issue when accessing care?

If someone is in distress and is given medication to manage agitation or excitation before they are assessed, how can medication side effects be differentiated from symptoms of a psychiatric condition if they are assessed before the effects of medication wear off?

There is medical evidence that people with neurodevelopmental conditions suffer higher incidence of paradoxical reactions to certain medications and yet it doesn't seem possible to have those reactions acknowledged. If this goes unnoticed it can be devastating.

I've had medication make me "split", according to medical reports. And during those times I've said and done things that alienated me from many people. I barely remember it and while I have to accept what's happened... it really hurts to lose the support of loved ones.

I feel this so much. Thanks for teaching me the term for it.

Would I be able to email you? Or message?

Wouldn't dare impose on Jays:)

Whenever you do have time, please let me know.

True enough. I'd tried with a certain group of autistic individuals and the outcome had made me nervous to try again. I'd love to chat with you, sometime!

I visualize PTSD Cat looking something like..

Would love to know how to engage the autistic researchers. I'm not an academic/no substantive higher education and it feels sometimes like it's harder to be seen as a result. Again, don't seem to fit anywhere. Lolsigh

This is... well, your writing and the content take my breath away. Thank you.

The full magazine can be found here: issuu.com/cache_uoftuh...

I wrote it for my only (current) follower, who was instrumental in my survival over several years. I still love ya, jdawg. And I wouldn't be here without you. Thanks for being you.

It's in the eyes, mask or no. Sounds like it was a cute interaction.

@jonathanconp.bsky.social thought you'd like this one.