Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Look, I'll be real with you—I didn't actually go through the whole thread to hunt for an answer, but I'm just gonna jump in here... can someone please tell me what the actual odds are for schizophrenia being hereditary? Like, is it something you can spot in toddlers, or does it mostly show up in people around 18, like it does for most folks?

ironbear14 said:Look, I'll be real with you—I didn't actually go through the whole thread to hunt for an answer, but I'm just gonna jump in here... can someone please tell me what the actual odds are for schizophrenia being hereditary? Like, is it something you can spot in toddlers, or does it mostly show up in people around 18, like it does for most folks?

It most commonly appears between ages 16 and 30, though there are exceptions outside that window. Unfortunately, the earlier it manifests, the worse the prognosis tends to be.
If one parent has schizophrenia, there is roughly a 5% chance the child will develop it. If both parents have it, that risk rises to 40%.

Thanks, Scarlet.

I’ve been wondering lately—is it actually possible for someone living with schizophrenia to land a steady job? And more importantly, regarding the medication side of things, how much of a risk is it for a baby if someone has to stay on those meds? Can they really cause harm during pregnancy?

It seems to me—and I say this with no small amount of skepticism—that the girl will simply have to get off her medication altogether...

Someone very close to me was involuntarily committed to a psych ward today. He had been taking Risolept because his parents described him as being "a bit scattered." He refused to admit he was sick and wouldn't take any medication, so his parents started hiding it in his food. However, lately, he hasn't been accepting anything from them—not even juice or meals, just money. It all came to a head when, over the last month, he smashed every lightbulb in the house to live in total darkness, tore apart and threw out cabinets, destroyed all the pictures, and broke three or four cell phones. Nothing was done until he physically attacked his father today. Once he arrived at the psychiatric unit, he asked his parents why they would do this to him. I don't even want to write about how his parents are feeling right now. There is such intense guilt, and they are questioning if they did the right thing by bringing him in. Perhaps the worst part is that no one has truly accepted that he is actually ill; instead, everyone keeps hoping it isn't anything serious—that it's just a phase because he's unemployed or just being difficult. I can't help but wonder how he is doing there. It took five or six people to hold him down just to get him restrained. My heart is breaking. It was a heavy decision, and while deep down I know it was the right move, a part of me is still angry, wondering if this was all just a temporary outburst or an overreaction. 😢

Laura Perez7 said:I’ve been wondering lately—is it actually possible for someone living with schizophrenia to land a steady job? And more importantly, regarding the medication side of things, how much of a risk is it for a baby if someone has to stay on those meds? Can they really cause harm during pregnancy?

Yes, she can. However, the medications prescribed for schizophrenia are often teratogenic. A psychiatrist would attempt to find a treatment that manages symptoms with the lowest possible dosage. This is critical during the first trimester—the period of organogenesis. Naturally, there is no guarantee against either a relapse in the mother's condition or fetal malformations.

Megan Bailey4 said:Someone very close to me was involuntarily committed to a psych ward today. He had been taking Risolept because his parents described him as being "a bit scattered." He refused to admit he was sick and wouldn't take any medication, so his parents started hiding it in his food. However, lately, he hasn't been accepting anything from them—not even juice or meals, just money. It all came to a head when, over the last month, he smashed every lightbulb in the house to live in total darkness, tore apart and threw out cabinets, destroyed all the pictures, and broke three or four cell phones. Nothing was done until he physically attacked his father today. Once he arrived at the psychiatric unit, he asked his parents why they would do this to him. I don't even want to write about how his parents are feeling right now. There is such intense guilt, and they are questioning if they did the right thing by bringing him in. Perhaps the worst part is that no one has truly accepted that he is actually ill; instead, everyone keeps hoping it isn't anything serious—that it's just a phase because he's unemployed or just being difficult. I can't help but wonder how he is doing there. It took five or six people to hold him down just to get him restrained. My heart is breaking. It was a heavy decision, and while deep down I know it was the right move, a part of me is still angry, wondering if this was all just a temporary outburst or an overreaction. 😢

That individual is clearly psychotic, likely suffering from paranoid delusions. They lack insight into their illness and the necessity of treatment and medication.
Involuntary hospitalization lasts a minimum of 30 days via court order.
I advise the parents to perhaps refrain from visiting for a few days until the medication takes effect and he gains some level of insight.
The family did what was best. Acute psychotic states require hospital treatment.
Upon discharge, I recommend discussing long-acting injectable medication with the psychiatrist, as this is clearly an uncooperative patient.
Do not worry if he is restrained; they will release him as soon as he stabilizes. This is for his own protection, as well as the safety of the other patients and staff.

driftinggull21 said:That individual is clearly psychotic, likely suffering from paranoid delusions. They lack insight into their illness and the necessity of treatment and medication.
Involuntary hospitalization lasts a minimum of 30 days via court order.
I advise the parents to perhaps refrain from visiting for a few days until the medication takes effect and he gains some level of insight.
The family did what was best. Acute psychotic states require hospital treatment.
Upon discharge, I recommend discussing long-acting injectable medication with the psychiatrist, as this is clearly an uncooperative patient.
Do not worry if he is restrained; they will release him as soon as he stabilizes. This is for his own protection, as well as the safety of the other patients and staff.

The hardest part is not knowing what comes next or how to handle things when he returns... we are terrified of potential aggression toward his parents because of what was done to him. His parents were heartbroken when he asked them, "Why did you do this to me?" in a calm voice—he only becomes agitated when being restrained—which made them even doubt their decision. Reading through, he simply refuses to take medication (when he went to the dentist, he claimed he wouldn't go back because they were putting chips in his head...), and he won't see doctors for the same reason. I don't know how this is going to work. I think the worst part right now is the realization that he is sick and there is nothing I can do to help him, along with the question of why this had to happen to him.😢

Megan Bailey4 said:The hardest part is not knowing what comes next or how to handle things when he returns... we are terrified of potential aggression toward his parents because of what was done to him. His parents were heartbroken when he asked them, "Why did you do this to me?" in a calm voice—he only becomes agitated when being restrained—which made them even doubt their decision. Reading through, he simply refuses to take medication (when he went to the dentist, he claimed he wouldn't go back because they were putting chips in his head...), and he won't see doctors for the same reason. I don't know how this is going to work. I think the worst part right now is the realization that he is sick and there is nothing I can do to help him, along with the question of why this had to happen to him.😢

Once the medication wears off, his true personality will resurface. If he wasn't an aggressive person before he got sick, he likely won't be now. That is usually the case.
The restraints weren't used because the parents requested them; that decision rests solely with the psychiatrist based on their clinical assessment. It was clearly necessary due to him being either auto-aggressive or a danger to others.
There is no reason for the parents to second-guess themselves. He is clearly very ill, and people who are ill require medical intervention. Consider what his quality of life was like before the hospital; do you honestly believe he was happy living in a state of paranoia and illness?
He can be helped through medication and treatment, followed by long-term support and family education regarding the condition.
As for why him? No one has an answer. It could be you or me tomorrow. Why does someone get diagnosed with cancer? Life isn't fair.

driftinggull21 said:Once the medication wears off, his true personality will resurface. If he wasn't an aggressive person before he got sick, he likely won't be now. That is usually the case.
The restraints weren't used because the parents requested them; that decision rests solely with the psychiatrist based on their clinical assessment. It was clearly necessary due to him being either auto-aggressive or a danger to others.
There is no reason for the parents to second-guess themselves. He is clearly very ill, and people who are ill require medical intervention. Consider what his quality of life was like before the hospital; do you honestly believe he was happy living in a state of paranoia and illness?
He can be helped through medication and treatment, followed by long-term support and family education regarding the condition.
As for why him? No one has an answer. It could be you or me tomorrow. Why does someone get diagnosed with cancer? Life isn't fair.

When he was using drugs, he was aggressive; when he tried to quit with beer, he was aggressive too... once, he even ripped all the pillows apart with a knife. Then he moved away, and things were okay for a while until he came back and ended up at a state facility because his doctor wouldn't certify her as fit for work... he just had too many setbacks and failures following him throughout his life. Right now, I am left with nothing but memories of the good times from when everything was still okay... I guess I'm taking up space here just to vent my soul or feel a little lighter, I don't know... Am I a terrible person for being his sister in this situation? Yes. If people visited him, they would "endure" his rambling, incoherent stories for an hour or two or three, then leave—pushing it deep down inside and hoping it would just pass on its own. I know life isn't fair, and self-pity gets us nowhere, but I'm scared of what comes next. Not for myself anymore, since I live far away, but for my parents. I find myself hoping he returns to how he was before all the addiction—peaceful and kind. He was always good to everyone else, even if he was hardest on himself... if that's just an illusion, it's better to dream that way until reality knocks on the door...

Megan Bailey4 said:When he was using drugs, he was aggressive; when he tried to quit with beer, he was aggressive too... once, he even ripped all the pillows apart with a knife. Then he moved away, and things were okay for a while until he came back and ended up at a state facility because his doctor wouldn't certify her as fit for work... he just had too many setbacks and failures following him throughout his life. Right now, I am left with nothing but memories of the good times from when everything was still okay... I guess I'm taking up space here just to vent my soul or feel a little lighter, I don't know... Am I a terrible person for being his sister in this situation? Yes. If people visited him, they would "endure" his rambling, incoherent stories for an hour or two or three, then leave—pushing it deep down inside and hoping it would just pass on its own. I know life isn't fair, and self-pity gets us nowhere, but I'm scared of what comes next. Not for myself anymore, since I live far away, but for my parents. I find myself hoping he returns to how he was before all the addiction—peaceful and kind. He was always good to everyone else, even if he was hardest on himself... if that's just an illusion, it's better to dream that way until reality knocks on the door...

Drugs and alcohol alter personality; that is why they are called psychoactive substances.
Are you a terrible sister? No. You participated in the madness by enduring it because you thought you were doing what was right for him. Would you trust him to watch your child? Of course not. Why? Because he is ill. Always keep that in mind. And the sick need treatment. If a family ignores this by pretending everything is fine, they aren't helping the patient. Unfortunately, we don't live in La La Land, we live in the real world. The best way to help him is to ensure he stays on track with his treatment.

Thanks, driftinggull21 🙂))) I'm feeling a bit too emotional right now, so I can't exactly think objectively...

Megan Bailey4 said:Thanks, driftinggull21 🙂))) I'm feeling a bit too emotional right now, so I can't exactly think objectively...

That is perfectly understandable. Good luck.🙂

This story is incredibly long and complicated, so I’ll start briefly with a few questions because I honestly don't know where to begin. Is it normal for someone diagnosed with schizophrenia to experience hallucinations they can't remember, to feel like they periodically lose touch with reality, or even to have self-harmed with a knife? This concerns the father of my one-year-old daughter; we split up when she was only two months old. He is 29 years old, and he fell into a severe depression because of everything—the separation from his daughter has been devastating for him, and since we now live in different parts of the country, he doesn't even get to see her. When he walks through town, he can't bear to look at children... he gets lost, then wakes up an hour or two later dirty, disheveled, or having cut himself, yet he remembers absolutely nothing. His brother told me that once, he was walking with a bakery worker and talking to her as if he were a small child... hearing all of this hit me so hard. He is currently taking medication prescribed by his psychiatrist, but despite the meds, his condition seems to be worsening. Is it possible he was misdiagnosed and it's something else, or perhaps the therapy is wrong? He is just inconsolably missing his child, whom he is actually afraid to see for even five minutes because of his current state. Aside from getting lost and not knowing where he's been or what he's done, he doesn't show any other symptoms. Once, while we were chatting online, he suddenly started questioning me about who he was, where he was, and why we weren't living together; he grabbed the keys and said he was waiting for me at our old apartment. His brother caught him as he was leaving, brought him back home, and he just started sobbing and wailing, making sounds like a little baby, before laughing and finally falling asleep. He usually feels worse in the evening; he starts feeling this intense pressure in his head and the medication just leaves him feeling numb. I've listed a few examples of his behavior, and I am asking if anyone with professional expertise reading this could please respond—private messages are also welcome, and I would be so grateful.🙏

Bryan Peterson2 said:This story is incredibly long and complicated, so I’ll start briefly with a few questions because I honestly don't know where to begin. Is it normal for someone diagnosed with schizophrenia to experience hallucinations they can't remember, to feel like they periodically lose touch with reality, or even to have self-harmed with a knife? This concerns the father of my one-year-old daughter; we split up when she was only two months old. He is 29 years old, and he fell into a severe depression because of everything—the separation from his daughter has been devastating for him, and since we now live in different parts of the country, he doesn't even get to see her. When he walks through town, he can't bear to look at children... he gets lost, then wakes up an hour or two later dirty, disheveled, or having cut himself, yet he remembers absolutely nothing. His brother told me that once, he was walking with a bakery worker and talking to her as if he were a small child... hearing all of this hit me so hard. He is currently taking medication prescribed by his psychiatrist, but despite the meds, his condition seems to be worsening. Is it possible he was misdiagnosed and it's something else, or perhaps the therapy is wrong? He is just inconsolably missing his child, whom he is actually afraid to see for even five minutes because of his current state. Aside from getting lost and not knowing where he's been or what he's done, he doesn't show any other symptoms. Once, while we were chatting online, he suddenly started questioning me about who he was, where he was, and why we weren't living together; he grabbed the keys and said he was waiting for me at our old apartment. His brother caught him as he was leaving, brought him back home, and he just started sobbing and wailing, making sounds like a little baby, before laughing and finally falling asleep. He usually feels worse in the evening; he starts feeling this intense pressure in his head and the medication just leaves him feeling numb. I've listed a few examples of his behavior, and I am asking if anyone with professional expertise reading this could please respond—private messages are also welcome, and I would be so grateful.🙏

At first glance, it doesn't even sound like schizophrenia.🤷
However, those are merely your own impressions regarding his condition. One cannot perform medical diagnoses on an online forum.
My advice would be for you or a family member to arrange for hospitalization so he can undergo a proper evaluation and diagnostic testing. Only then can appropriate treatment be prescribed to help him become more functional.
It is obvious that he is struggling and clearly suffering. He definitely needs professional help.

Hey there! Sending big helloes to all my favorite folks here, especially Jack and my buddy printch bubač, greetings from the sunny South...
Here’s what’s on my mind. I’ve been dealing with psychosis and PTSD for many years now—there's always a reason behind the fears and delusions. I've been fighting this since I was 24. Now that I'm analyzing everything, I feel like I just need a Captain Picard from Star Trek to find my Deanna Troi so I can finally sail through the stars and touch the light. It's a wild thought, right? I've been battling this for a long time and I've got plenty of patience; I just endure it, but I know I'll be saved. My motto is "go for it!" One day, once I've gathered enough wisdom to pass it on, I'm going to write a book. For the past year, I've been working with two different psychiatrists and talking things through with a priest. I've also been part of a Catholic community for five years now. There are ups and downs, but I'm rising from the ashes that try to bury me. One doctor works at a hospital, and the second is a private specialist—a great friend of mine actually helps sponsor my sessions because he saw how much better it was for my progress. Between the doctors and my talks with the priest in our community, I'm finding my way back up. I pray to the saints like Francis and Paul to look out for me, and thank God for that... it's like drinking living water. In the past, I was on heavy meds—at least two strong antipsychotics—and I'd end up sleeping 15 hours a day because of them. Here is my advice: if you're on meds for a long time and they aren't working, or if they just knock you out so hard that you feel delusional and stuck in the "ashes" where you can't escape, don't just swap your psychiatrist. Instead, ASK for different medications! There are so many different types of antipsychotics out there. Be a "son of light," shake off those delusions and the negativity inside your mind, and insist that your doctor finds a better therapy for you. Just remember, your psychiatrist needs to actually have time for you—at least 45 minutes—to properly spot those delusions. And if you're a believer, talk to your priest too, especially regarding sacraments like Anointing of the Sick. You need faith, because Jesus healed the sick. Going to charismatic retreats or spiritual revivals is also huge if you're a believer struggling with this. Psychosis and PTSD are strange beasts; healing takes time and serious patience. Once your doctor finds the right fit, you'll rise from the ashes. There will be setbacks and wins, but think about this, let your brain work, and stay focused on getting better... peace be with you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC0PCqud1t0

Yo, I’d really love it if one of you guys dealing with schizophrenia could actually lay it out for me—describe what your illness feels like, any episodes you've had, or whatever else.
Hey everyone, hang in there: 🙂 🙂

"The most common symptoms of schizophrenia involve patients believing someone else is controlling their actions, reading their thoughts, or even persecuting them."

I just stumbled across this a few minutes ago and man... if you go by this logic, it sounds like everyone walking the streets today is basically dealing with some form of schizophrenia. It’s wild because nobody actually wants to be manipulated anymore—everyone is too busy trying to pull the strings on everyone else. You see it everywhere, from those cheap airport books like "Manipulate Anyone in 5 Minutes" or "Close the Sale in 10 Seconds" to those "Hypnosis for Beginners" guides... even the mainstream media is constantly hacking away at how we think and control our perspectives... so now I'm left wondering, am I the one losing my mind here, or is it the people actually pulling all these stunts? I'm feeling a little sketched out, honestly...

goldeneagle8 said:"The most common symptoms of schizophrenia involve patients believing someone else is controlling their actions, reading their thoughts, or even persecuting them."

I just stumbled across this a few minutes ago and man... if you go by this logic, it sounds like everyone walking the streets today is basically dealing with some form of schizophrenia. It’s wild because nobody actually wants to be manipulated anymore—everyone is too busy trying to pull the strings on everyone else. You see it everywhere, from those cheap airport books like "Manipulate Anyone in 5 Minutes" or "Close the Sale in 10 Seconds" to those "Hypnosis for Beginners" guides... even the mainstream media is constantly hacking away at how we think and control our perspectives... so now I'm left wondering, am I the one losing my mind here, or is it the people actually pulling all these stunts? I'm feeling a little sketched out, honestly...

I know plenty of people who buy into Big Pharma conspiracy theories and all that... is that a symptom too? 😁