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Suggest Treatment For Schizophrenia

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Posted on Thu, 25 Feb 2016
Question: I am so concerned my boyfriend has schizophrenia. Preaches the bible all day, believes he only has to answer to God, believes the President is the anti Christ...spends countless hours on the internet researching and posting governmental conspiracies. Believes he is a prophet, is unemployed and has no worries about working because he says God will provide. He is living with his sister and is on food stamps. I asked him to see a doctor and he told me I was mean, self absorbed. judgemental and verbally abusive. What can I do to help him? I guess nothing. I think I have to detach .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Probably bipolar disorder.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns for your friend.

Considering all the details about his symptoms and drug treatment in past, I feel he is suffering from bipolar disorder rather than schizophrenia.

His grandiose ideas, over-religiosity and paranoid beliefs suggest a possibility of bipolar disorder. However, exact diagnosis can be made after a detailed clinical interview.

He is not willing to visit the doctor, may be due to lack of insight for his illness.
In such case, you can call emergency medical services for help.
Drug treatment (like olanzapine) is the only way which can help him in his present condition.

Donot argue with and donot try to challenge or contradict his belief. He may become paranoid against you. It better to maintain a safe distance from him for now, till he gains insight.

Hope this is of some help.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (9 hours later)
He has an absolutely flat affect. He is not happy. I thought with bi polar you have highs and lows. What will happen if he does not go for treatment? Is suicide a possibility? I thought you can only commit someone if they are in danger of harming themselves.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Schizophrenia is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Grandiose ideas with flat affect can be due to schizophrenia.
That's why I mentioned that detailed evaluation is necessary for proper diagnosis.

Difficult to predict whether or not, he can commit suicide.

Those who can harm themselves or others need emergency treatment. He has strong paranoid beliefs about government. He may become aggressive some time.

The possible way out to give him drug treatment is to give him depot antipsychotic drugs. Olanzapine, haloperidol (prescription drugs) are available in depot preparations.
You can discuss this with your local psychiatrist.

Hope this helps.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (23 minutes later)
Am I over reacting? I have contacted the family about my concerns and there seems to be not overt concerns. He is California and I live in New XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No you are not over-reacting

Detailed Answer:
I don't think that you are over-reacting.
With your description, I feel he needs treatment before its late.

Not everyone can understand this.
You are not over-reacting dear.

Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2145 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Schizophrenia

Brief Answer: Probably bipolar disorder. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns for your friend. Considering all the details about his symptoms and drug treatment in past, I feel he is suffering from bipolar disorder rather than schizophrenia. His grandiose ideas, over-religiosity and paranoid beliefs suggest a possibility of bipolar disorder. However, exact diagnosis can be made after a detailed clinical interview. He is not willing to visit the doctor, may be due to lack of insight for his illness. In such case, you can call emergency medical services for help. Drug treatment (like olanzapine) is the only way which can help him in his present condition. Donot argue with and donot try to challenge or contradict his belief. He may become paranoid against you. It better to maintain a safe distance from him for now, till he gains insight. Hope this is of some help. Regards.