How do you explain schizophrenia to your family?
Reminders you may want to include are:
- Speak in a calm, quiet voice, not only with the person in crisis but also with others who may be present.
- Keep instructions or explanations clear and simple.
- Don’t challenge or criticize your loved one’s delusions or hallucinations.
How do you tell someone you have schizophrenia?
If you can tell someone, be honest. Talk openly about what it means to live with schizophrenia and how it makes you feel. If your friend or family member has the condition, ask if they’re OK with you talking about it with other people.
What are the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?
It is characterized by psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia as well as mood symptoms of bipolar disorder. The exact symptoms vary by individual, but generally may include: Difficulty communicating, racing or confused thoughts and speech
Is your child showing signs of mental illness?
The age of onset can vary, but most people begin experiencing symptoms before the age of 35. If your child is showing signs of mental illness, the first and best thing you can do for him is to get an evaluation for a diagnosis. The only way to diagnose mental illness is to work with an experienced mental health professional.
Is there a genetic test for schizophrenia?
In reality, however, 80 percent of people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, particularly with psychosis, have no family history at all. Some of the important risk factors have been traced to different individual genes, although there’s no genetic test for schizophrenia yet.
What should parents do if their adult child has schizoaffective disorder?
Parents of adult children with serious mental illnesses, like schizoaffective disorder, face a big challenge. An adult child can be resistant to treatment, but getting good care is essential. Parents must insist on treatment, preferably residential care that provides both medical care and therapy.