Hello RJ45,

I am sorry to hear that your father might be having some serious difficulties. Nothing takes the place of a doctor's advice and diagnosis, but here is some information that will help you when the time comes to speak to the doctor. While your father may not believe he has a mental issue, it might be good to get him in to see his regular doctor for a full physical. There, your father can be evaluated and possibly referred to another professional should his doctor determine there is cause.

In the meantime, you can familiarize yourself with schizophrenia, there is a good video here about the symptoms, medicines used to treat it and treatments available. There is also a community support network that you should probably get in to. There you can find others in similar situations as you, and perhaps share tips and hints for coping. There is one specific to caregivers here. Also a yahoo support site for patients and caregivers here.

I hope this helps. Again, be patient with your dad but get him in to see his regular doctor so someone can evaluate if he needs to see a professional or if he's just experiencing a chemical imbalance or other medical condition.

Please take care and stay in touch. Let us know how you and your dad are doing!

Vicki M

Hello RJ45,

Welcome.

I agree with Vicki M, get your Dad in to see the primary care doctor first.  Blood tests can rule out other causes of your father's symptoms, whatever those symptoms are he has now.

If he has schizophrenia, you've come to the right place.  SchizophreniaConnection is the best Web site on the topic.

Tell him you're concerned and could he just see the primary care doctor to put your mind at ease?  If he balks at this, enlist your Mom if she's living with you.

If he does have schizophrenia and he becomes a danger to himself or others, you can force him into the hospital for treatment.

You've come to the right place to get support.

Best,

Chri

Dear RJ45,

I've been in the same boat as you for a long time and tried many things. My brother has been suffering with OCD (per docs earlier) with 6+ years, but is very intelligent and smart.  Not all of the years were bad. He has had good times where he got top notch jobs (but never could stick on), was enthusiastic, but never was fulfilled with anything. He is now 31 years old.  Has been seeing a psychiatrist, but did not take medicines regularly.  As a result, our family has been sorrowful all the time due to him. 

My parents changed doc 3 months ago. This week, the doc told me he has schizo.  He has been seeing this new psychiatrist, but not often enough as required by the doc. He does not admit that he needs care. He knows he has a mental issue, but will not accept the fact. Does not want my parents or I or any friend to advise him of the importance of taking medicines.  Now, his BP shot up very high with brain working continuously perhaps.  Doc wants to get him admitted so we can treat the condition, but again he does not want to.  So, we are now trying to approach him from a physical condition standpoint.  So, I agree with Vicki M and Chistina that your best bet is to approach from his physical check-up standpoint.  Do not give any indication to him that he needs mental treatment. Good luck. Taking Svrta and Clonach medicines now with very high dose.  If you can help me find more info about these medicines, I'd appreciate.  Thanks