[spincera]

First of all, my son's father has schizophrenia. I (his mother) has bipolar, PTSD, and anxiety. My son was diagnosed as having ADD when he was an early teenager. He went off the medication when he was in his late teens. He simply refused to take the medication any more.
Since about March, my son's quality of life has gradually began to decline. He hardly showers any more, washes his clothes or eats. He either sleeps too much or too little. He has these grandiose ideas that he is an undiscovered genius. He feels that if on the right medications, that he would be able to blow people away with his intelligence. (Note: he has been trying to go to school for a few years now and has been failing all his classes). He also thinks he has a "phenomenal" ability to counsel others. (Phenomenal is the exact word he used). He also wants to be an aerospace engineer. He feels that he can honestly become that. In addition, he currently isolates himself. His reasoning behind this is that he enjoyed his own company. He doesn't want to really interact with anyone but himself. His speech has also gone down hill. He will often abruptly change the subject (go off topic) when we are talking about every day things. His mind wanders off and he'll think about strange things like theories. He also has a hard time concentrating. He gets distracted easily when he is doing something or talking to some one. If he notices someone walking down the street on a sunny day with an umbrella, then he will go off in his head about how that umbrella will help the girl stay cool from the sun. He gets into intense detail about it too. He can't comprehend what he reads for the most part. He is often silent when I try to have normal conversation with him. He says that he doesn't hear or see things, but he has told me that his door moved on its own because of its hinges. (What ever that meant. He wouldn't tell me).
Anyways, he's seeing a psychologist and has seen a psychiatrist and regular doctor at the community health clinic. They think that he is in the beginning stages of schizophrenia, but they are still unsure. They have ruled out ADD, so now they are up in the air about his diagnosis. We see the doctor today, and she is supposed to be putting him on a mild dose of an anti-psychotic. The psychologist wants me to get him a full mental health evaluation, but she says that it is $500. I'm currently paying for my son's rent and living expenses and am on a fixed income. I can't afford that.
Anyways, does anyone have any ideas on how I can help my son? I am really wanting to support him, but he's also in denial about his illness. I'm scared to point out to him that his grandiose ideas aren't all together accurate. I really don't know what to do. I love my son and want to be as supportive as I can. Any help is appreciated.

[kaliope]

I am sorry that you are having to go through this with your son. it must be a struggle for you to witness. check to see if there is a NAMI support group near you. I doubt a full mental health evaluation is going to reveal any more than what the psychologist and psychiatrist have already told you. after all, that mental health provider is going to be asking the same questions. with obamacare coming, wont your son qualify for insurance of his own that will cover an eval? anyway, the antipsychotic should address some of these symptoms you are concerned about. take care and get yourself some support.

[Victoria'smom]

it very well could be an intense mania. I don't know how fixed your incoming is, but you may be able to do a payment plan of like $50 a month or $25 a month for the assesment.