These are the schizophrenia early warning signs.  This illness typically starts in one's late teens and early twenties.  Late Onset schizophrenia occurring after age 30 is possible yet is less likely.   I cannot diagnose what's going on with your mother.  You have to examine and question her other behaviors in tandem with the outrageous lies she's telling, such as whether she exhibits any of the early warning signs.   On the other hand, it is possible for someone to have had schizophrenia all her life without getting treated and then the symptoms get worse as she ages.   Telling outrageous lies itself is not a symptom of this illness.  Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there, and delusions, such as thinking the CIA is after you or that you have special powers, are the true defining symptoms of schizophrenia. In the absence of hallucinations or delusions it is possible a person does not have schizophrenia.   You really have to examine the other factors and behaviors happening to see if you need to take action.  Maybe she does have schizophrenia only from the details you've told me it could pretty much be something else going on.   If at all you suspect she does have schizophrenia, she will need immediate treatment with medication and therapy to have the best outcome.   The problem I see right now is that she is a "VERY heavy drinker" as you acknowledged in your own words.  Sometimes people drink or do street drugs to self-medicate the symptoms of a mental illness like schizophrenia when they are not in treatment for this illness with a doctor.   So read the early warning signs, and read the schizophrenia basics to get a clear idea of what this illness entails.  Then if you believe she has schizophrenia, you will need to take action.   Only right now it seems some kind of action will need to be taken regardless of whether or not she has schizophrenia.  How can you stop her from telling outrageous lies?  How can you stop her from drinking herself drunk?   Perhaps you can talk to her about the drinking and the lying in such a way that you're not confrontational, only in a way that voices your concern.   I take it you're in your twenties.  Is your father or another relative like an aunt or uncle around who can help you with this situation?  A brother or sister?   I'm sorry to say that if this goes on much longer and her behavior totally decompensates you might have to become her caregiver in later years.  This is something to think about that you will possibly have to plan for in addition to living your own life.   Regards, Christina