I have read all of your comments and thank you for them.

Oddly enough, I met my friend just a week before my psychiatrist went on vacation. I told him before he left that I had met someone online who I suspected had schizophrenia, because I wanted to get his input. He told me not to divulge personal information and to be safe, but he didn't think it a problem that I speak with the friend. When my Dr. returns (next week) I will update him on the situation, with the alter, and see what he says.

The one thing I am not willing to do at this point is to cut off communication with my friend. He is my friend, and friends don't abandon one another as far as I'm concerned...no matter what. I would never want him to feel that I am abandoning him or judging him because of his problems.

As for my friend saying the "not schizophrenia" comment, it was once. He said it very low, and it was just before I met the alter. The next day I asked if he was on medication and he said he didn't need any. I don't feel that it is my place to suggest he get medical help.

In the meantime, I will take all of your advice and proceed with caution. Thanks again.