05 Oct 05
Is it possible to know if someone has this condition? If you have an inkling that a loved one may be predisposed to it, but are not certain, is it appropriate to inform a physician? Could it be a coincidence that a person has some of the symptoms of this disorder, without actually having the disorder? Could he/she have a different disorder that is similar? If so, what would it be? Would a person who has schizophrenia know that they have it, or acknowledge the possibility of having it, or think about whether they have it or not?
05 Oct 05
Originally posted by lioyankIf this person exhibits any of the following: Loss of contact with reality (psychosis), hallucinations, delusions, (false beliefs), abnormal thinking, and disruptive work and social functiong, gently suggest that this person see a mental health professional as soon as possible-GO WITH HIM or HER to said Pyschologist. If you think this person has schizophrenia, and they are acting in a way that is unexplainable, please assist them to get help. They could invariably jeopardize their, as well as society's, safety if not treated effectively. There are various forms of schitzo, so I suggest you get educated as to which one your loved-one may possess. Chronic depression doesn't mimick true schitzophenia, as most depressesed people still have a sense of reality and are not delusional, hallucinative, and are not psychotic. He/she will need lots of support. Good luck...hope I have helped at least to get you looking into it....it is not the most pleasant disorder to have the misfortune of coming down with....Good luck
Is it possible to know if someone has this condition? If you have an inkling that a loved one may be predisposed to it, but are not certain, is it appropriate to inform a physician? Could it be a coincidence that a person has some of the symptoms of this disorder, without actually having the disorder? Could he/she have a different disorder that is similar? I ...[text shortened]... ave it, or acknowledge the possibility of having it, or think about whether they have it or not?
05 Oct 05
Well, if you knew they were predisposed to it, you should have mentioned it long ago, any relatives with it should be in any medical history. The symptoms cancre mentions all happen in schizophrenics, but could mean something else as well. If they start to hallucinate or anything, get them to a doctor, but don't rule out things like toxins or other causes and just assume you know what it is.
05 Oct 05
Originally posted by lioyankI've had a lot of experience with schizophrenia in family and I think a friend as well, unfortunately. Delusions, especially paranoid ones, seem to be a major sign. Finding religion and getting into mysticism in general is another. Watch for violent tendencies. If the person becomes violent this gives you the opportunity to force treatment when otherwise you would not be able to do anything.
Is it possible to know if someone has this condition? If you have an inkling that a loved one may be predisposed to it, but are not certain, is it appropriate to inform a physician? Could it be a coincidence that a person has some of the symptoms of this disorder, without actually having the disorder? Could he/she have a different disorder that is similar? I ...[text shortened]... ave it, or acknowledge the possibility of having it, or think about whether they have it or not?
05 Oct 05
Originally posted by lioyankThis is a very tricky area. The brain is very complex and the definitions
Is it possible to know if someone has this condition? If you have an inkling that a loved one may be predisposed to it, but are not certain, is it appropriate to inform a physician? Could it be a coincidence that a person has some of the symptoms of this disorder, without actually having the disorder? Could he/she have a different disorder that is similar? I ...[text shortened]... ave it, or acknowledge the possibility of having it, or think about whether they have it or not?
of schizophrenia are very broad. We tend to make a diagnosis based
on the symptoms but still have very little idea about the cause/s.
IMHO, do not recommend anybody for psychiatric help unless they
have the potential to cause lasting harm to themselves or others.
The reason is an unbalanced person will usually look for a way out of
a situation, a scapegoat. The symptoms may point to deep lying
psychological problems or the delusions may even have a strong base
in fact but be obscured by their behaviour. It is a very fine line.
But once a person has been diagnosed with this disorder, the first
thing they are taught is not to trust their own thoughts. This is a very
frightening reality to live, worse in some ways than losing your legs.
This means that any other issues that may have been resolvable will
be lost in the persons innate mistrust of his/her own mind.
The majority of schizophrenia occurs in adolescent males and has a
very good recovery rate. The best treatment is without doubt having
friends to talk with and a reinforced 'reality base'.
Additionally a person has a better chance of recovery if they are
treated normally than they do if they are treated as a psycho.
We all tend to grow into our hats someday.
06 Oct 05
Originally posted by lioyankUnless they are a danger to themselves or society, you would be causing the one you loved more harm then good by making them enter the futile/corrupt mental illness system.
Is it possible to know if someone has this condition? If you have an inkling that a loved one may be predisposed to it, but are not certain, is it appropriate to inform a physician? Could it be a coincidence that a person has some of the symptoms of this disorder, without actually having the disorder? Could he/she have a different disorder that is similar? I ...[text shortened]... ave it, or acknowledge the possibility of having it, or think about whether they have it or not?
If the case is minor or just average, let the person deal with it and chip in as a family, be supportive, and don't demend/expect a pile of crap.
Sending them to mental wards filled were humans who are striped of all dignity, freedom, sex, independance, and treated like animals, etc isn't usually a way, or the environment, to get better.
A lot of the medications can also cause serious health defects via side effects that phyciatrists don't seem to care about. Such as liver failure, abnesia, parkinsons, irritable bowl, chronic obesity, rapid aging, etc, none of this is worth the cost/chance/risk just to improve someone's happy state IMO, and it's an articial happy state, like geting high off marijuana (only marijuana is safer), nobody can be happy geting the following diseases I named that come about 60% of the time for all who take phycotropic medication.
06 Oct 05
Originally posted by AThousandYoungYoung women get significantly more/better support in this area then anyone else. If the loved one he is talking about is male or elder, best to avoid the system if possible.
Interesting. In my family it's all in the women and sets in after adolescence and the medications work wonders without significant side effects.
06 Oct 05
1 edit
Originally posted by lioyankWhat makes you think this loved one is schitzophrenic?
Is it possible to know if someone has this condition? If you have an inkling that a loved one may be predisposed to it, but are not certain, is it appropriate to inform a physician? Could it be a coincidence that a person has some of the symptoms of this disorder, without actually having the disorder? Could he/she have a different disorder that is similar? I ...[text shortened]... ave it, or acknowledge the possibility of having it, or think about whether they have it or not?
What are the symptoms you are witnessing?
Anyway, two of the largest problems with mental disorders is diagnosis (defining what the problem is) and acceptance (by the sick person).
A lot of the tips you've read are very good:
- Talk to the person about what you are seeing (not what you think, but restrict it to what you actually observe).
- Go with the person to a GP (his/her normal doctor).
- Don't get into the: "I am sick" / "Not sick" discussion. Keep to the behaviour you've observed and suggest that he/she talk about that behaviour with his/her doctor.
- Support the person (or get someone to support him/her) during the whole diagnostic period. That can be very trying and if the person is ill, it generally takes a long time for them to be willing to face it.
EDIT:
I almost forgot the most important part of all!
Make sure you have someone to talk to about it all as well!!! Seriously.