Hi lisa,

Early intervention is key in stopping schizophrenia symptoms from spiralling out of control.  About 97 percent of the people diagnosed with SZ are NOT violent.  The risk of violence increases to 28 percent in one study when there is a co-occurring substance abuse problem.  So if your roommate is doing street drugs or abusing alcohol I would be more concerned than if he is only having symptoms.

He needs help and he needs it now.  You have the right (and the duty to him as a human being) to suggest he talk to a professional about what's going on.

Only from your very brief mention of his thoughts I cannot on the face of it suggest he does have schizophrenia.  This is only one explanation for his behavior and a qualified professional will be the one to make a diagnosis that is accurate at this point in time based on his symptoms.

You don't have to believe what he believes by the way.  However you need to proceed with caution should his behavior become even more erratic and questionable.  At that point there would be no denying he needs help.

You do not mention the nature of the relationship you have to the roommate.  It could get very tricky if somehow you wind up being his caregiver.  He has to know he has to keep up his responsibilities as a tenant in the house, he has to clean the apartment and take care of his living space at all times.

Should he not be able to remain a suitable roommate you'll have to do whatever you feel you might have to do.  Because if the guy needs psychiatric help he will need to get it right away without delay.

If he is exhibiting the early warning signs of SZ, he needs help right now.

Regards,

Christina