Schizophrenia - General Discussion

There’s no such thing as acute SCH.

No such thing? I don't know, that's just how they explained it to us, handed us some pamphlet to read about what it actually is.
As if it's something that just hits you once and then vanishes forever, because here we are, it's happening all over again 😢
The cops were actually intimidated by him; they told his parents to get him picked up ASAP because they had no clue what was wrong with him—just that he seemed totally lost and was acting incredibly strange 😕- I mean, seriously
It’s been so hard, he ended up in the hospital last night. After his parents brought him home, he wouldn't listen to a word about seeing a doctor or anything, he just started rambling about how everything hurts, wanting to go for walks, saying there's no peace at home, that he needs to keep moving, that everything is our fault, hurling insults at them...
Finally, late last night, his dad pleaded with him one more time to just go, and he actually agreed without any argument, so they drove him to the ER.
I haven't seen him myself since I live in a different city, but I'm driving out to see him today, and honestly, I'm just kind of terrified... I don't even know what to say to him, or how I'm supposed to talk to him right now.

I have a feeling that once he gets discharged, he’s going to refuse to take his meds; it's the first time he's even tried to be sneaky in the hospital, too—the nurse turned her back for a second and he just spat the pills out.
He always struggled to fit in after his previous treatment, everyone used to look at him "that way," with those little smirks. We were constantly worried he might hurt himself, but he would just shut down and withdraw...
Now that he's finally back on his feet, it's happening again... he's so young, barely out of his early 20s, and he just can't seem to catch a break. 😢

Jamie Martinez6, sending you a big hug..

Amy Hughes said:Jamie Martinez6, sending you a big hug..

thanks honey, right back at ya 🙂

about people snickering, I get it... they laugh at me and my mom... at her because she's sick, at me because they're convinced I'll end up the same way... we live in a time where being mentally ill is treated like some kind of disgrace... easy to say, but you shouldn't have to feel ashamed... I know he'll always struggle with it, but hey.. that's just his cross to bear, and eventually, he'll just have to accept that he's sick...
I totally get why he's lashing out. He feels cheated, like he was played because he's back in the hospital again... but once the meds kick in and he starts coming around, he'll calm down and be himself again 🙂
as for visits, maybe skip him for the first two weeks.. honestly, it’s useless with my mom.. he just insults the doctors, the nurses, me... there's no point. I only stop by to drop off clean laundry or leave a few bucks so things aren't a total mess, but I don't stay. Wait until you see actual progress before you start visiting... talk to his psychiatrist first, then go visit 🙂 just so he knows he isn't alone... and look, I know it's hard not to snap back when he attacks you, but try to bite your tongue. Just shut up. You can't explain anything to someone in that state... you'll just end up tearing him apart and making yourself miserable too...
keep us posted on how your brother is doing, or just DM me if you want to keep it private... I'm really interested... good luck 🙂

I’m heading over to see him today, but honestly, I’m terrified... I’ve got this massive knot in my throat that just won't go away.
I really don't want to break down and start crying while I'm there, and I haven't the slightest clue what I'm even supposed to say to him...
We really thought—we truly hoped—that what happened three years ago was the beginning and the end of all this. My parents are holding up okay, I guess, but I am just completely blindsided by this. It feels even more jarring than the first time, though I can't even remember how much that hit me back then.
I need to drop off some towels and other essentials, because yesterday, they almost left everything behind at their place in the suburbs.
I gave the hospital a call, and they said he’s calm right now—which basically just means he’s heavily medicated and sleeping—nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor did her rounds this morning and had a quick word with him, if you can even call it a conversation during a routine checkup, and that's about it.
I just can't bear the thought of him thinking we abandoned him if we don't show up constantly until he starts coming around a bit more.
😢

Amy Hughes said:I’m heading over to see him today, but honestly, I’m terrified... I’ve got this massive knot in my throat that just won't go away.
I really don't want to break down and start crying while I'm there, and I haven't the slightest clue what I'm even supposed to say to him...
We really thought—we truly hoped—that what happened three years ago was the beginning and the end of all this. My parents are holding up okay, I guess, but I am just completely blindsided by this. It feels even more jarring than the first time, though I can't even remember how much that hit me back then.
I need to drop off some towels and other essentials, because yesterday, they almost left everything behind at their place in the suburbs.
I gave the hospital a call, and they said he’s calm right now—which basically just means he’s heavily medicated and sleeping—nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor did her rounds this morning and had a quick word with him, if you can even call it a conversation during a routine checkup, and that's about it.
I just can't bear the thought of him thinking we abandoned him if we don't show up constantly until he starts coming around a bit more.
😢

Yeah, whatever, everyone's different. My mom's a total nightmare when she gets aggressive, so I just stay away. But if he's actually being chill? Go. Give him a hug, tell him you love him—no matter how weird your relationship is. Just be there for him. 🙂 It'll all work out. Eventually. 😉
Not trying to start anything, but if you notice they’re slipping into a dark place, just watch out. You gotta make sure they know you've actually got their back before things go south. 🙂
So, what's the deal with his girl? Are they done or what? Honestly, having her by his side might actually help him out for once...

thanks...
that connection just completely snapped; it’s like he just bolted headfirst without even looking back.
I honestly think he just panicked 😕
I actually went over to see him, and he’s just... out of it. He's taken some pills, so he's super mellow, just looks like he might pass out at any second. His eyes are bloodshot, he can barely focus, he seems really slow, and he keeps saying he's freezing... I have to wonder if they're pumping him full of too much stuff over there?
Every time I tried to ask him anything meaningful, he basically just hit me with an "I don't know" and left it at that. That was it.

It’s honestly possible they just "nuked" him with massive doses to knock him out. It’s such a tragedy, but there are way too many psychiatrists out there—especially working in hospital wards—who basically just medicate their patients until they’re nothing more than mindless zombies. It’s absolutely terrifying!

Which hospital are we talking about, and is he in a locked ward? I don't have schizophrenia, nor do I have anyone in my family who does, though I did have a few grandparents on my dad's side that people used to describe as "eccentric"—I'm pretty sure they were slightly psychotic. Personally, I was diagnosed with F-35, a severe depressive episode without psychotic features, but that wasn't hereditary; it was triggered by trauma. I'm in remission now, though I still take preventative meds and go in for regular checkups. That’s exactly what your brother needs to be doing, too. You need an insane amount of self-discipline to keep the illness in remission, but when people with schizophrenia hit a manic phase, they genuinely believe they're cured and that they don't need their meds anymore. I had this neighbor, a guy in his late 20s who developed schizophrenia at 22, and he has these manic phases where he refuses his medication and just creates total chaos. He ends up in the psych ward getting treated, stays stable for maybe two months before they let him go home, and then boom—another manic phase and the whole cycle repeats. His mom has completely lost count of how many forced hospitalizations and police interventions they've dealt with...

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone could explain what an acute polymorphic psychotic disorder actually is and how it presents itself, since it was one of the four diagnoses listed for someone who recently took their own life. Thank you so much.

It’s entirely possible they’ve just pumped him full of massive doses to essentially sedate him out of existence, which is honestly terrifying. There are way too many psychiatrists, especially working those hospital wards, who treat their patients by basically turning them into mindless zombies with heavy medication. It’s gut-wrenching.

😲😲😲
I actually asked if he was having any issues or side effects, and they just brushed me off, saying, "No, everything is perfectly fine."

I went to see him again today, and honestly, I barely recognized him because he’s so heavily medicated; it just completely dulls him down, if that makes sense. At one point, his eyes rolled back for a second and he started leaning heavily to one side, his whole body just contorting to the left like his muscles were seizing up on that side. It really spooked me, so I led him back to his room—he was walking all hunched over, dragging to one side, unable to even stand straight—and a nurse actually had the nerve to ask me how long he’d been leaning like that.
I told them right then and there that this was unacceptable and asked how much medication they were actually shoving into him, since he can't even speak properly now, almost like something is constricting his throat.
The guy just told me it wasn't anything serious and that it was just a reaction to the meds (which I already knew), and then he just handed him some pill to supposedly make it go away.
The doctor hasn't even properly examined him, so how on earth can they be prescribing this kind of cocktail!?
Today is a holiday, and it was the weekend right before that, so of course, absolutely nobody is around to help!
I am beyond livid!😠😠😠 Please, give me some advice—who do I talk to, who do I file a complaint with, and do I even have the right to do that?
He’s currently staying at the psychiatric unit at a local state hospital.

Is anyone even out there? 😢

Amy Hughes said:Is anyone even out there? 😢

In an acute psychotic episode, higher doses of antipsychotics are administered to suppress the psychotic content that prevents your brother from functioning normally.
Since he hasn't been on antipsychotics recently, these high doses are naturally causing more noticeable side effects. These will subside as the medication levels stabilize and his body adjusts; eventually, the therapeutic benefits will outweigh the side effects, even if it doesn't seem that way to you right now.
You cannot reason with someone in an acute psychotic state, and you shouldn't expect a psychiatrist to engage with delusions regarding poisoning, surveillance, or aliens. Once the medication brings him back to reality, then communication can occur.
Certain antipsychotics (mostly "older" ones like Haldol or Moditen, though newer ones can too) may cause muscle stiffness or cogwheel rigidity, but this is managed with an injection or pill of Artane.

Thanks for explaining all that, but honestly, he’s so heavily medicated right now he can barely even get a word out, let alone walk straight...
Is what I just described actually normal? I’d honestly go straight to his doctor to demand some clarity because I’ve never seen someone shut down quite like this before.
The first time he was admitted to the hospital, things were arguably worse, but back then he wasn't being hit with nearly this many medications or these kinds of massive doses 🤷

I realize the doctor probably isn't interested in listening to him talk about hallucinations right now, but he keeps insisting that these drugs are making him feel terrible—he can't eat, he feels like he's choking, and he just can't function like a normal human being anymore...

Amy Hughes said:Thanks for explaining all that, but honestly, he’s so heavily medicated right now he can barely even get a word out, let alone walk straight...
Is what I just described actually normal? I’d honestly go straight to his doctor to demand some clarity because I’ve never seen someone shut down quite like this before.
The first time he was admitted to the hospital, things were arguably worse, but back then he wasn't being hit with nearly this many medications or these kinds of massive doses 🤷

I realize the doctor probably isn't interested in listening to him talk about hallucinations right now, but he keeps insisting that these drugs are making him feel terrible—he can't eat, he feels like he's choking, and he just can't function like a normal human being anymore...

Of course you should go talk to his physician, both to provide collateral information and to get updates regarding your brother's progress and treatment plan.
Medication dosages are titrated over time until they reach a level that optimally manages psychotic symptoms while minimizing side effects.
Your brother is currently in an acute inpatient unit where only medical staff has 24/7 access to monitor him and adjust therapy accordingly.
Unfortunately, your brother was clearly not functioning normally even before the hospitalization and therapy, which is why he is there—he is in the right place to receive help so he can return to a normal life and become socially and vocationally functional again.
The mentioned side effects will pass; naturally, this takes time. If they do not subside, the therapy will be adjusted.

He was doing just fine until about a week ago, then he had that whole massive meltdown with his girlfriend, and after that, things just spiraled with the car situation the next day, and now we’re stuck dealing with this.😢

I know the doctor can't really take his word for it right now (you know, regarding any hallucinations or whatever)

I think I phrased that a bit clumsily earlier—this time there aren't any delusions as far as I can tell (like him thinking people are watching him or following him around), which he did experience the first time three years ago, but he hasn't mentioned anything like that lately, maybe because we got him to the hospital much sooner this time around.🤷 That's why I'm finding it so strange that they have him on such heavy-duty medication. Back when he first went through this, he was in a way, much worse condition, yet he wasn't on this level of treatment; sure, he was totally out of it, but he wasn't twitching or rolling his eyes back like he's doing now.
I'm heading over to see him tomorrow, so I'll try to get some real answers from the doctor.
Thanks, driftinggull21, it looks like you really know your stuff when it comes to all this.😉

So, from what I’ve been digging into, they call it "acute schizophrenia" when it hits in episodes—you know, instead of being a constant, non-stop thing. Apparently, people living with schizophrenia can't really be "cured," at least not in the way most people think, but they can manage to keep those episodes from happening. So, according to the textbooks, even if someone is technically dealing with this for life, if it shows up in bursts, it’s labeled acute... even if those bursts happen every few months. Seems like a pretty weird way to define it, if you ask me... but that's just how they name it, I guess...
Amy Hughes, 28 here. It feels like the way they just hammer them with meds is seen as the only immediate fix... They mostly only step in like that when someone is in full-blown psychosis and becomes a danger to themselves or everyone else around them... usually after they've already been strapped into a straitjacket. I'm sure those methods aren't exactly humane, but the staff there is responsible for everyone in the facility, including our loved ones. I watched my brother looking like he could barely even speak, just drooling, totally unaware of anything... and seeing the scratches and bruises on his arms... man, that isn't easy to watch at all... but at the end of the day, he's still alive because they stepped in to save him when we couldn't... even if it was in such a brutal way. We're still holding onto hope, though... hoping he gets a real chance to actually start LIVING his life as normally as possible

I have this friend, and honestly, I’m starting to think she’s dealing with some serious mental health issues. I’ve done a fair amount of reading, but I’m obviously no professional, so I don't want to play doctor, but I’m starting to panic because I have no clue how to actually help her. She’s constantly convinced people are plotting against her or bugging her rooms. About a year ago, things hit a breaking point—she was ripping plugs out of the walls, smashing light fixtures, picking fights with everyone in sight, and even physically attacking someone she usually adores, blaming them for a bunch of totally fabricated events. Back then, I managed to get on her good side and convince her to see a psychiatrist. She went, but then told me everything was "fine." She seemed strangely satisfied after the appointment, and we had a relatively long stretch where she acted totally normal. But now, the cycle is repeating. It's all aggressive outbursts again, manic energy, erratic shopping sprees, and she’s already lashed out physically at that same person from before. She isn't sleeping—not for days. On top of that, she’s mixing antidepressants with alcohol and Red Bull, which sounds like a recipe for disaster. Yesterday, she swapped out her door locks, and today she’s gone full security mode with high-end anti-theft doors installed. Yesterday, she called me to vent, accuse me of things, and demand a "heart-to-heart," but today? Today she acts like absolutely nothing happened. To me, this looks like a dangerous disorder that needs immediate medical intervention, but I’m lost. I don't know how to act around her, whether I should confront her with what I'm seeing, or how to even get her back into treatment. Please, I need some advice or perspective. She's 40, single, no kids, living alone. My mom, sister, and dad all see the red flags too, but nobody knows what to do, and frankly, they’re starting to get scared. PLEASE HELP, URGENTLY.

I’m looking for some advice from people who are actually smarter, more level-headed, and have way more life experience than I do regarding the question I posted above. Thanks to everyone for weighing in and sharing your thoughts.

Harold Jackson32 said:I’m looking for some advice from people who are actually smarter, more level-headed, and have way more life experience than I do regarding the question I posted above. Thanks to everyone for weighing in and sharing your thoughts.

Best regards, 🙂

Only a true professional can provide a reliable diagnosis; laypeople really shouldn't be trying to tackle that kind of thing. Besides, even the term "diagnosis" can be somewhat relative—mental states are constantly shifting and changing.

It is incredibly difficult to say anything with any certainty without direct contact with her and having the chance to ask a few targeted questions to draw a conclusion. Even though you mentioned she saw a psychiatrist and they said everything was fine, I would take that with a grain of salt. Patients often don't want to speak candidly about what's actually happening; they have a tendency to hide the truth. That said, if the psychiatrist truly did say she's okay, then there is reason to hope for a positive outcome. Sometimes, we just shouldn't overthink things or obsess over tiny details that only serve to increase our own stress levels.

However, based on the details you provided above, I can offer a bit of perspective.
It’s immediately apparent that we are looking at some sort of "paranoid disorder."
But keep in mind, that label alone tells us nothing about the actual severity of the illness (if there even is one); it simply describes a state of being that is more or less out of sync with reality or sound judgment.
A "paranoid state" can manifest in many different ways:
1. Schizophrenia (sch paranoid)\\
2. Paranoia
3. A reactive state (stress, crisis situations, trauma, etc.)
4. Paranoid personality (highly sensitive individuals prone to over-analyzing, arguing, being easily offended, narcissism, egoism, excessive attention to detail, megalomania, etc.)
5. Neurosis (for example, hysterical traits can lead to misinterpretations due to a tendency toward exaggeration)
6. Drug use
7. Alcohol use
8. Organic disorders
9. Depression, and so on.

As you can see, this syndrome covers a massive spectrum, which makes it very hard to jump to conclusions blindly.
Pay close attention to whether your friend is using any drugs or alcohol—or perhaps taking antidepressants in combination with something else—and whether her behavior changes during those times.
Is she currently dealing with intense external pressures, like social issues, problems at home, work stress, or relationship troubles?
Is she an extremely introverted person who retreats into her own world, lacking significant interest in the outside world or socializing?
Does she have a tendency to exaggerate or dramatize things just to grab attention?
If you can keep these factors in mind, it might make things much easier for you to navigate.
Often, if you are dealing with a paranoid state, you shouldn't try to forcefully "reason" her out of her unfounded precautions, as doing so can trigger aggression.
If you notice things getting worse day by day, please make sure to contact a doctor again.
Try to keep your conversations focused on optimism and laughter; don't let the dark themes take over. That way, you'll be better positioned to notice exactly when and how the "shift" occurs.

We'll keep talking.

Hey, thanks for getting back to me. Looking at everything you mentioned, I can see bits and pieces of her behavior popping up everywhere. People are saying she’s been drinking wine and cocktails; I haven't seen it myself, but others have pointed it out. Right now, she's totally spiraling because of work stress, convinced everyone is out to sabotage her. Honestly, none of us—not even her closest friends—see any actual "threat" in her life. She’s just seeing ghosts, and now we’re all officially on her "suspect list." She’s started this whole "audit of the past," dragging old acquaintances back into her life to settle scores over things that ended years ago. These people have moved on, they have spouses and kids... they aren't even part of her world anymore. Those of us who are actually being kind to her can't do anything to help, but we can all see it getting worse by the day. To her, everyone looks more suspicious than the last. It’s reached a point where we’re actually starting to feel afraid of her. I’ve reached out to her mom and sister to try and coordinate some kind of intervention. On top of all this, she apparently went to the police claiming she's being followed and that someone is trying to steal her car. It’s just a nightmare scenario where everyone feels terrible. We all want to help, and she’s likely suffering immensely without even realizing it, but we don't know how to tell her to get professional help or how to handle her. We’re all second-guessing ourselves, wondering if we’re the crazy ones and she’s actually fine. It’s just awful.
Any advice is appreciated, and thanks again.

evening 🙂

I don't know much about schizophrenia, so I am reaching out to those of you who might be more experienced. My grandmother is 87 years old and currently living in a senior living community. After we were away for two months and couldn't visit as often, she seems to have lost her way. It isn't that she's confused or incoherent—she actually sounds quite lucid and sharp—but she is constantly telling these unrealistic stories that seem very typical of paranoid schizophrenia. She believes the nurses at the facility are enemies holding secret meetings and plotting conspiracies to mock the elderly residents. I should mention this is a high-end facility, likely one of the most expensive in the entire state. She also claims to hear men in the adjacent room discussing trading and politics late at night, and she can't figure out what they want from her. She has stopped eating because she fears something is being slipped into her food; she looks like a skeleton right now :/ And yes, she constantly brings up some TV series and certain roles, as if she has convinced herself she is actually a character in a show or something :/ She keeps insisting that everyone thinks she is crazy, but she insists she is NOT!

The staff at the facility aren't really doing anything about it. I'm not sure if they even realize what is going on in her head, especially since she tells me she just stays quiet in front of them so they won't hurt her :/

She has had psychological episodes like this before and was prescribed antipsychotics, but once she seemed to stabilize, they took her off them.

So, I suppose I am wondering if I should alert her doctor and get her back on medication, or if I should just let things play out and see if any major issues arise.
How does this usually work? To what extent can a patient (if she is indeed ill) be left without therapy? And what kind of impact would potential therapy actually have?

thanks 🙂