NationStates Jolt Archive

Morning All,
Warning for ya - bloggy OP...
(:

At the moment I'm living in a shared house with a few other people and the most recent addition to the house is a guy who moved in a few months ago - it was pretty obvious that he wasn't comfortable with himself right from the start and over the last few months it's become more and more apparent that he's severely suffering from a mental illness.

He's an okay guy and whatnots but he shows very clear symptons of paranoid schizophrenia and he doesn't seem to realise what his symptons actually are - he hears voices that sometimes tell him positive things but mostly he hears negative things. He thinks that the family next door are the ones who make the noises/voices that he can hear in his room and he is constantly paranoid that there is a consiracy against him.

He has expressed a few times that he plans out 'stopping the voices' by getting rid of the family next door - I don't think he'd actually carry it through as it is right now but if he were to have an extremely shitty day, be feeling bad about himself anyways, not had anyone to talk to and then 'hear' really negative voices directed at him I can imagine him snapping then carrying through.

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So then, I want to know - should I tell him directly that he probably has paranoid schizophrenia? Is there any sort of treatment for it or is it just a matter of convincing a person to just cope with it? Does anybody have any similar experiences they can compare this to so I can get a handle on what to think about doing (if anything)...?

Get him to go and see a doctor (on whatever excuse) - his GP if he's any good should pass him on to a psychiatrist

I couldn't comment from what you've told us of the symptoms whether the issue is schizophrenia or another disorder, there are several which cause auditory hallucinations - it can even be associated with severe manic depression. Though the paranoia would probably point it to a form of schizophrenia. I wouldn't tell him directly what you think it is however, because you may be wrong. But I would tell him you think there could be an issue and that he should see a doctor about it.

If it is schizophrenia then there are anti-psychotic drugs which will help with some aspects, therapy may help with others. Certainly it shouldn't just be left alone as it may get worse and your housemate could end up posing a danger to himself if nothing else. As well as the fact that his symptoms are clearly causing him distress.

I have to ask, does your housemate use any drugs? I'm thinking heavy cannabis in particular, as that may be related too.

I was once in a very similar situation, came home once to find the guy in the dark in the attic with all the knives and other potential weapons he could find. Try and persuade him to get some help, contact local health services for some advice yourself on what to do, if he is making threats you may need to do something. Also don't pander to his delusions make it clear that no-one else shares them and try to get him to recognise what is reality and what isn't.

Don't tell him directly. Talk to your other housemates and see what they think and if you all agree he has a problem then have a word with the guy. Say (very gently) that you think he might need to see someone. Don't just blurt it out.

Or, you could try and get in contact with his family and see if they've ever noticed anything odd, or if he's ever gone to see a specialist.

If it becomes apparent that he is a danger to himself or others, then get in contact with professionals yourself.

Get him to go and see a doctor (on whatever excuse) - his GP if he's any good should pass him on to a psychiatrist

I couldn't comment from what you've told us of the symptoms whether the issue is schizophrenia or another disorder, there are several which cause auditory hallucinations - it can even be associated with severe manic depression. Though the paranoia would probably point it to a form of schizophrenia. I wouldn't tell him directly what you think it is however, because you may be wrong. But I would tell him you think there could be an issue and that he should see a doctor about it.

If it is schizophrenia then there are anti-psychotic drugs which will help with some aspects, therapy may help with others. Certainly it shouldn't just be left alone as it may get worse and your housemate could end up posing a danger to himself if nothing else. As well as the fact that his symptoms are clearly causing him distress.

I have to ask, does your housemate use any drugs? I'm thinking heavy cannabis in particular, as that may be related too.

As far as i know he dosn't use recreational drugs but I know another housemate does smoke cannabis so he might be sharing some like that I suppose on a regular basis.

In regards to telling him that he should talk to his Doctor about how he feels and the problems he's having - I have already suggested to him a few times that he should talk to his Doctor about the voices he hears and the paranoia he feels but he doesn't seem to be acting on it... I did push a little more and found out (from him) that he is supposed to be seeing a Psychiatrist but he mentioned seeing the Psychiatrist only twice since the time he's been living with us. Twice in the space of 3 months seems pretty useless to me.

Also don't pander to his delusions make it clear that no-one else shares them and try to get him to recognise what is reality and what isn't.

Yeah I reinforce what is and isn't reality all the time to him as I realise that this will probably help him stay with 'reality' a bit more and I've told the other housemates to reinforce that whenever the guy starts asking if they can hear voices too so hopefully they're all sticking with that too!

Unfortunately he is convinced that the voices he hears are real and has started saying stuff like "My hearing is way too good, you all don't seem able to hear them.." so I'll try to tell him again that I can't hear any voices and there aren't any voices there to hear.

Lately it's really starting to cause problems in the house because he has begun suffering from sleep deprivation as he (understandeably) finds it bloody difficult to sleep with the family next door saying horrible things to him. Sometimes his answer to this is to play loud, bassy music really loudly at very unsociable hours of the day; which is starting to cause a bit of tension between us.

His Uncle is supporting him financially by paying the rent on the place and the guy is on JSA (the Dole), so is reliant on his family for monies most of the time - I suspect his Uncle knows but seemed like the kind of person to just sweep it under the carpet when I met him (and my judge of character is usally pretty good).

I've lived with a manic depressive with similar symptoms. It was quite stressful. I've also been a nightmare to live with as my own disorder can cause problems. I understand your problem from both sides.

I've lived with a manic depressive with similar symptoms. It was quite stressful. I've also been a nightmare to live with as my own disorder can cause problems. I understand your problem from both sides.

Thanks, it's true he is quite stressful to be around and can be a little demanding and intrusive sometimes too - hope you're getting on ok with yourself.
(:

I've lived with a manic depressive with similar symptoms. It was quite stressful. I've also been a nightmare to live with as my own disorder can cause problems. I understand your problem from both sides.

Yeah, as can I. My dad was a Psychopath. And I was really rather mad at one point.

Yeah, as can I. My dad was a Psychopath. And I was really rather mad at one point.

How was your dad diagnosed? I ask because the term is so often misused for Anti-social Personality Disorder, which is different.

How was your dad diagnosed? I ask because the term is so often misused for Anti-social Personality Disorder, which is different.

Ah, you miss understood.

He was insane, but I dunno what it was. Anyway, he was crazy enough to try and kill his own sons.

Morning All,
Warning for ya - bloggy OP...
(:

---
So then, I want to know - should I tell him directly that he probably has paranoid schizophrenia? Is there any sort of treatment for it or is it just a matter of convincing a person to just cope with it? Does anybody have any similar experiences they can compare this to so I can get a handle on what to think about doing (if anything)...?

i think you should talk to a professional. its potentially very dangerous for you (and for your neighbors) so you should get the best advice possible before you do anything.

Ah, you miss understood.

He was insane, but I dunno what it was. Anyway, he was crazy enough to try and kill his own sons.

Ah, sorry, as a psychologist I do tend to be quite specific on terms. I'm sorry to hear about that.

Morning All,
Warning for ya - bloggy OP...
(:

At the moment I'm living in a shared house with a few other people and the most recent addition to the house is a guy who moved in a few months ago - it was pretty obvious that he wasn't comfortable with himself right from the start and over the last few months it's become more and more apparent that he's severely suffering from a mental illness.

He's an okay guy and whatnots but he shows very clear symptons of paranoid schizophrenia and he doesn't seem to realise what his symptons actually are - he hears voices that sometimes tell him positive things but mostly he hears negative things. He thinks that the family next door are the ones who make the noises/voices that he can hear in his room and he is constantly paranoid that there is a consiracy against him.

He has expressed a few times that he plans out 'stopping the voices' by getting rid of the family next door - I don't think he'd actually carry it through as it is right now but if he were to have an extremely shitty day, be feeling bad about himself anyways, not had anyone to talk to and then 'hear' really negative voices directed at him I can imagine him snapping then carrying through.

---
So then, I want to know - should I tell him directly that he probably has paranoid schizophrenia? Is there any sort of treatment for it or is it just a matter of convincing a person to just cope with it? Does anybody have any similar experiences they can compare this to so I can get a handle on what to think about doing (if anything)...?

You must try and get him to see a doctor, how you do that I really don't know. Schicophrenia is not a nice mental disease to have, it can be very, very frightenig for those who do have it and those around them, he reall does need a profesinal to see him.

Ah, sorry, as a psychologist I do tend to be quite specific on terms. I'm sorry to hear about that.

Yes, and as someone who has been diagnosed with ASPD, this scenario isn't something I'd realistically consider.

Ah, sorry, as a psychologist I do tend to be quite specific on terms. I'm sorry to hear about that.

S'ok. All the psychiatrists I've known are crazy. I'm sure psychologist are much the same.

Yes, and as someone who has been diagnosed with ASPD, this scenario isn't something I'd realistically consider.

Which is why I always try and differentiate ASPD (or related PDs) from Psychopathy from psychotic disorders (such as, but not limited to schizophrenia). You'd be surprised (or not) how often people mix these up - the DSM-IV certainly doesn't help.

S'ok. All the psychiatrists I've known are crazy. I'm sure psychologist are much the same.

It's a professional prerequisite *nod* Although I am very much a research psychologist.

If he descends any farther and still refuses to go to the doctor you can (and should) call the department of human services (or your local equivalent) they are able to take adults who are suffering from mental illness and a danger to themselves or others into the hospital for evaluation. At the very least their suggestion that he should get some help might be more weighty than yours in his mind. (assuming he trusts them)

I lived from birth to 15 with my mother who has bipolar disorder. It's not fun when she's off her meds.

If he descends any farther and still refuses to go to the doctor you can (and should) call the department of human services (or your local equivalent) they are able to take adults who are suffering from mental illness and a danger to themselves or others into the hospital for evaluation. At the very least their suggestion that he should get some help might be more weighty than yours in his mind. (assuming he trusts them)

I lived from birth to 15 with my mother who has bipolar disorder. It's not fun when she's off her meds.

Yeah we have a hotline that you can call for things like this but I imagine it being an extremely traumatic experience, being forced by strangers to be diagnosed for something like that - not sure I could bring myself to do it tbh.

I think I'll give NHS Direct a ring or whatever I can find and see what they suggest I do, the Doctor he sees must be incompetent if they're not recognising/suggesting help for his symptons.

You are not a health professional. You are not in a position to determine if he will or will not act on his threats toward the other family. He could have a major upswing in his symptoms. Call mental health services and request an evaluation. It is the only way to ensure you have a clear conscious.

I have lived with my mom, who started suffering from dementia at a pretty early age, for years. It is not pleasant. Personalities change and become unpredictable. Morals go out of the window. Capacity to reason becomes twisted.

My experience has taught me never to assume.