what are symptoms oh schizophrina??

Question

I dont have it. my grandma does, but, I dont think shes on her medication anymore, and I wanna know if there are things i should look for to tell me if Im right. She sometimes starts yelling at "people", when nobodys there. Im not really tolerant of this disorder and her behavoior, everyone eles in my household puts up with it! I think she should go back on [she stopped simply because shes stubborn]

shes definatly been diagnosed schizo...several family members have confermed this

Answer 1

First of all don't listen to niteowl. Schizophrenia is a mental health disease, but can be managed by medication, therapy, and good support (especially family support, HINT). Some symptoms are: delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (auditory "voices", visual, tactile, touch, (like bugs crawling on them), or olfactory (smell), out of touch with reality, poor judgment, poor concentration, disorganized thought process, paranoia ......etc. Schizophrenia never goes away just like diabetes doesn't go away!! Its a disease! If you don't treat a diabetic with medication than the diabetes worsens and can kill them, the same can happen with schizophrenia. If left untreated, her paranoia or auditory hallucinations may increase drastically where she may harm herself or others. Your grandmother may have stopped taking her meds due to paranoia, or the voices may be telling her to stop, or telling her that someone may be trying to poison her. Or simply, her judgement may be poor and she doesn't feel she needs her meds (don't forget poor judgement is a symptom of the illness, which can be self defeating). Stopping medications without permission from a doctor can only be detrimental to your grandmother's health. Also, research has shown that each time a schizophrenic stops their meds, it takes longer the next time for the symptoms to be controlled once back on their meds. If your grandmother does become a danger to herself or others, take her to an emergency room or call Crisis Intervention. You could also call her case manager if she's established in the Mental Health System for the county you live in. Good luck and remain supportive. - a psych nurse

Answer 2

I once had a friend with this, and every time he went off his medication his entire family was affected. He was seriously crazy, and it made life miserable for those who had to put up with him, talking to stick figures on the wall, apologizing for killing bugs, and so on.

Yes, there can be bad side effects, but the behavior can be worse, and if your grandma is ever in public it could be an issue (some schizo's can get very aggressive) for her to be off her medication.

I have also read that it is not uncommon for people with problems such as this to just quit taking their medication, and it is usually because they are not mentally capable of making sane choices. I would think someone in the family should be supervising her, such as with a power of attorney.

Sounds like your parents or someone needs to take charge and not keep overlooking the situation...good luck.

Answer 3

Well talking to "people" as you said does'nt sound like appropriate behavior. Hallucinations can come in different forms auditory, sensory, and visual. From living with her I'm sure you've become familiar with her behavior and what is her norm. There are a variety of medications available and the correct one and dosage takes a bit to be determined.

This disease is a difficult one though, in that often times persons suffering don't believe they have a condition and are adamant that what they are seeing and hearing are real, which is part of the conditon. It can tug at heart strings trying to be patient and seeing someone you love suffering so. My advice to you is to be patient and try some love and understanding. Her behavior isn't directed at annoying you. She has a disease. If you feel like she isnt taking her meds appropriately talk to your parents who may be able to talk with her doctor. While there are strict confidentiality laws in place prohibiting healthcare providers from disclosing patient information...you can still leave a message voicing your concern. If this venue doesnt work...sadly the law will have to take it into their hands...which in essence is for the best for her in the long run.
She's not being stubborn, she's suffering from a symptom of her disease...try a little patience.

Answer 4

I was going to paste the symptom here, but after reading the rest of what you said- I can see that's not really what you need. (What you really need is.....- no better not say that here.)

If your grandmother isn't doing anything to indicate she's a danger to herself or others you should leave her alone! The medications have horrible side effects and anyone who isn't dangerous should always have the right to refuse to take them.

Have some respect for your grandmother and all she's gone through with her illness. If you can't, then you should leave and go somewhere else. Let people with some compassion care for her- the other family you mention who are tolerant. And hope you never need someone with any compassion to take care of you someday!

The symptoms can be found on NAMI.org, click on "inform yourself", the "schizophrenia".

Answer 5

Suspeciousness, hallucinations-auditory and visual, You can know when she has them when you observe her talking or smiling to self, withdrawn and isolated, finds no joy in the world around her, thinks that someone else is controlling her thoughts and behaviour, etc. Compliance to medications is very important, though side effects are to be observed for and reported. Some of the drugs would even require a blood screening every once in a while.

Answer 6

It could be schizophrinia, or it could be outside interference from spiritual beings. In my terms, I would call them demons, and I have seen very real evidence of their existance. (Perfume bottles flying across the room, hitting the person who I came to help, a plaster skull turning to follow the person with its' "eyes." I used to think that was all just movie "magic," but after seeing it for real, I had to change my mind. Turn on your heart light and let the light drive out the darkness.

Answer 7

They will 'pray' or eat constantly or a lot - their faces will physically CHANGE and their eyes are empty; From my experience - if i were you, i would try to get out of that house ASAP. you cannot "help" someone with schizophrenia - you only TAKE CARE of them - and trust me when i tell you - they won't remember one damn thing you did or went through to do it. Grandma or not.

Answer 8

here maybe this will help go to this site its all about schiozphrenia... i have the same condition and it all depends on what kind of schizophrenia she has. i have the paranoid one anyway check out this site i hope it helps

Answer 9

stop looking at me! and you over there too! Are you with the government!? I know you're watching me with your spy equipment! And stop implanting me with radio devices! Geez I hate that! And so do I!

Answer 10

hullo
hallucination,delusion,formal thought disorder,loss of insight,disorder of will,negative symptoms,and blunted affect.

Dr.solo