Speaking with a mother about her son’s illness
AMC Clinical practice station
Mental health · 2 min to read · 8 min to perform
Nikos Nowak, aged 20, was brought in overnight by his mother, Barbara, who is worried about changes in his behaviour over several months.
Barbara NowakDoctor, is Nikos all right? They said you wanted to speak to me.
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You are a doctor in a hospital emergency department. Nikos Nowak, aged 20, was brought in overnight by his mother, Barbara, who is worried about changes in his behaviour over several months. The mental health team has assessed him. He believes people are watching him and has heard voices, and he has agreed to stay for assessment. Nikos has consented to you speaking with his mother about his illness and treatment, but has asked you not to share what he told you about his substance use. Meet Mrs Nowak, find out what she has noticed, and explain what is happening and what comes next.
What this station tests
- Consent can be partial: share what the patient agreed to and honestly decline the rest without lying.
- Take collateral history and ask carers about safety, including other family members.
- Explain psychosis in plain words, avoid premature labels and remove blame.
- Describe legal frameworks in general terms; voluntary care is preferred where safe.
- Carers need a named contact, a number and support of their own.
Sources for the clinical content
- Orygen: Australian clinical guidelines for early psychosis
- headspace: Early psychosis services
- Carer Gateway
- Medical Board of Australia: Good medical practice, a code of conduct for doctors in Australia
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.