anybody suffering with a loved one with paranoid schizophrenia? My brother started showing symptoms about 3-4 months ago. He is getting worse very quickly. He now thinks the devil is controlling everything through other people. He can no longer watch tv because the devil controls it. He said I may even be the devil. There is no reasoning with him. I understand the disease, my mother also suffers from it. She fortunately found help through womens shelters after being homeless for years, hitchhiking across the country. My brother is only 23, I hate to see this happen to him. I fear for his safety, and others. Please help.
2006-12-06 13:04:35 · 9 answers · asked by driftwood111 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
He's going through what is a called a psychiatric decompensation. Think of it as akin to a medical emergency. He probably started having disturbed thought processes some time before starting to show the behaviors he exhibits now.
One of the predictive factors of schizophrenia is often having a mother whose schizophrenia was severe and long lasting, according to one researcher.
Here are some other findings:
"When schizophrenia is a slow developing process (called chronic, or process schizophrenia) recovery is doubtful. When a previously well adjusted person develops schizophrenia rapidly (called acute, or reactive schizophrenia) in reaction to particular life stresses, recovery is much more likely." (Source: Psychology, 8th Ed. David G. Myers PhD)
What city do you live in? Call your local public health department and ask if there is a "County Designated Mental Health Professional" available. ( In my state that is what we call them.)
They are trained to come out to the site of where the person is and make a decision as to whether the person needs hospitalization and obtain a court order for it if necessary. If he refuses to go to the hospital a court order might help make it happen. He needs this, he is not capable of deciding what is best for him. He might misinterpret other's actions of trying to help him as thinking others are in fact "out to get him", so you will have to explain this to the professionals and hopefully they will adjust their actions accordingly.
What he needs more than anything else right now are medications to help control the psychotic symptoms. This CANNOT be emphasized enough. Kind of like a cardiac patient who needs medicine to control his blood pressure. He will need something right away and then when he has been stabilized he can start to work with a psychiatrist for ongoing monitoring of his medications.
I hope that this is something that can be afforded. Because often schizophrenia and to some degree, poverty are found together.
Another thing you should consider is calling 911. Let them know that there is a psychiatric emergency, and ask them if they can provide a reference. If it is as bad as you say, they might need to come and pick him up because it is either at or almost at the point to where he is considered a danger to himself and/or others.
If this is something you can't or don't want to do, other options are calling the emergency room of the local hospital or a local counseling center. Call your local United Way and ask for the crisis line. There is help out there
When you talk to these people, tell them specifically these words: "My brother is doing and saying things that are scaring me. He keeps saying the devil is talking through other people. I am afraid he will hurt himself or someone else." Let them know he NEEDS MEDICATION ASAP. While it imust be very painful to watch him, think of how painful it is for HIM to be so incredibly wrought with paranoia and fear. The medications can help to bring him relief.
Other recommendations: Keep the TV and radio OFF. these feed heavily into his delusions and perpetuate the cycle that is running through his mind, i.e. the thought processes about the devil talking to him etc. See what else can be done to modify the environment until help arrives. The best way you can talk to him is by continually reinforcing reality to him. for example, if someone knocks on the door and he tries to say, "is there someone trying to come and hurt me?" (this is just an example) Tell him, "no, this is the paperboy coming to collect money. he is not going to hurt you." Everything will need to be explained to him. He needs constant orientation to the environment. If you can do this it may help somewhat to calm his fears. Give him something he recognizes as being comfortable and familiar. Play soothing music and take out a photo album of pictures of him and you and talk to him about them.
You are not alone. There are people out there who understand this, who understand what is going on and who are ready and willing to help.
You sound like a smart person and he is lucky to have you in his life, someone who will be there for him because without strong and supportive people like you, it's going to be a considerable challenge for him.
2006-12-07 23:05:58 · answer #1 · answered by Jane D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister is schizophrenic. Shes 30 now but started developing this disorder when she was a teen. She has been under the guidence of doctors and on many different medications and even with that she is getting worse every year. I know it is so hard to stand by when your loved one is suffering, it is so sad. Don't try reasoning with him, he is in his own little world. Try to get him to a doctor or in a mental hospital before he ends up hurting himself or someone else. He needs to be monitored for sure. Don't lose hope. My sister is an extreme case, with the right medication your brother could be feeling sane in no time. Also, make sure he's not abusing drugs.
If you ever need to chat to someone who understands what this is like first hand feel free to contact me.
Good luck and take care.
I saw that another user said try not to get him on meds, I disagree. When it comes to ADHD or Manic Depression, I agree that meds are not always the answer. But schizoprenia is a much serious illness and medication is key.
2006-12-06 13:16:36 · answer #2 · answered by Tricksta-Vic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He really needs to see a psychiatrist and get medication. If he doesn't want to go voluntarily, check the laws in your country/state to see if it's possible to have him hospitalized temporarily against his own will as an emergency option or talk to a psychiatrist yourself and ask for advice about how to handle the situation. Your brother really needs help and schizophrenia is too serious to be left untreated.
Good luck! I hope your brother gets treatment soon.
2006-12-07 01:10:08 · answer #3 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get him in for a psychiatric consult,if if it's that bad ya gotta get some kinda help,some kind of treatment.and meds. do work.i agree w/ the answer from 1 of the above seroquel is great,once get dosage right.abilify also good.but if he won't get help get him help before he's a real danger to himself and/or others.good luck
2006-12-07 00:07:09 · answer #4 · answered by dysfunctionalyMe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He really needs to see a psychiatrist so he can be put on medication to control the disease. Please see that he does this before he hurts himself or someone else.
2006-12-06 13:08:36 · answer #5 · answered by vanillabeancheesecake37 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your county human services. See if they have a "CSP" program (community support program) - they are tailored to each individual and are WONDERFUL one of my friends is schizophrenic and this program has been a life saver
2006-12-06 13:48:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mandy K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best med's for schizophreia is seroquel it works like a charm ask your doc about it
2006-12-06 14:56:08 · answer #7 · answered by ken law 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay by his side and show him that no harm can come to him , also try reading , it helps relax the mind. Please try not to get him hooked on meds.
2006-12-06 13:13:47 · answer #8 · answered by secretlovechic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might be helpful
http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/
2006-12-07 06:14:18 · answer #9 · answered by LIz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋