[Jolisse]

I think my friend has Schizophrenia and refuses to admit there's a problem.
She's gotten extremely paranoid and thinks people are spying on her, she's at the point she won't leave her house.
My friend can't see that her behavior is abnormal, therefore she thinks there is nothing wrong with her. How do I convince her to at least see a pdoc?
She's spiraling downward and I'm afraid she's going to crash.

[Hobbit House]

Can you get her family involved? The only thing I can think of is if they can commit her involuntarily. It's a drastic step and would frighten her but would insure she was safe and get the care she needs.

[Sometimes psychotic]

This is one technique....

[Jolisse]

Originally Posted by Hobbit House

Can you get her family involved? The only thing I can think of is if they can commit her involuntarily. It's a drastic step and would frighten her but would insure she was safe and get the care she needs.

The only one around her is her husband and he just ignores her behavior.

[Jolisse]

Originally Posted by Hobbit House

Can you get her family involved? The only thing I can think of is if they can commit her involuntarily. It's a drastic step and would frighten her but would insure she was safe and get the care she needs.

Originally Posted by Sometimes psychotic

This is one technique....

Great video, thank you!

[costello]

Maybe she won't crash. Some people are eccentric their whole lives and don't need a doctor. If her husband doesn't see a problem, I would think there's little you can do.

[Jolisse]

Originally Posted by costello

Maybe she won't crash. Some people are eccentric their whole lives and don't need a doctor. If her husband doesn't see a problem, I would think there's little you can do.

This goes beyond eccentric! New people moved into the house near hers and she thinks "they" are out to get her. This is a single mom with two little kids, she has become obsessed with them.
My friend has a small farm, surrounded by woods. She's convinced herself that the single mom injected her cat with drugs and the little kids are "spying" on her. Meanwhile the kids are just playing in their backyard.
My friend owns horses and is convinced the little kids are trying to scare them and the mom will drug the horses also.

[Terabithia]

You are in a really tough spot, since the husband is just overlooking it. It sounds like you are the only one who can do anything about it. I would get in touch with a psychiatrist - either someone at your local hospital or someone in private practice and tell them what is going on and for some advice. Emphasize the risks/ dangers of her delusions.

[costello]

Personally I wouldn't try to get her "help" based on those facts. I'd continue to be her friend, because she needs to not be isolated - and people like that tend to get isolated. Then I'd talk to her about her ideas in a non-confrontational way. Just ask her why she thinks the mom is poisoning her animals. Not like a lawyer or a cop asking her to provide evidence of her allegations but just like a friend chatting with a friend. If she says the kids are spying on her, you can say mildly, "It just looks like they're playing in their backyard to me." If she insists they're spying, ask her how she can tell, what would they be doing if they were just playing and what are they doing that indicates spying. If she gets too angry, just drop it. You don't want her to get paranoid about you, because then she won't be open to talking to you. You'll have gently introduced the idea that her perceptions may be wrong. Don't do it too often or try to shove it down her throat. That won't work.

If you remain in regular contact, you'll know if she becomes a danger to self or others. Then you can do something about it. Unless that happens, she just has odd ideas, and if her husband is making sure she has food and shelter and neither of them want psychiatric help, I'm not sure there's anything you can do.

Paranoid people are just really fearful people. The fear attaches itself to lots of random things. You don't want to do things that increase her fear. You might also try to distract her if she becomes obsessed with these topics - preferably with some enjoyable activity or conversation. She needs something positive in her life.

[Terabithia]

That fear is what would hold me back from doing anything drastic. I've been there before and having somebody commit me would have completely freaked me out. Like your ideas Costello.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Originally Posted by Terabithia

That fear is what would hold me back from doing anything drastic. I've been there before and having somebody commit me would have completely freaked me out. Like your ideas Costello.

Generally you can't be committed unless you're a danger to yourself or others and the standards are pretty high---but actually talking to people and getting them to visit a pdoc when you're willing to help them set up an appointment works.

[costello]

I put this question to my son. He thinks your friend's behavior is a "cry for help," but not necessarily psychiatric help. He says just be a friend to her and remain a part of her life.

He thinks this part of my advice is too much and would likely shut her down:

Originally Posted by costello

Then I'd talk to her about her ideas in a non-confrontational way. Just ask her why she thinks the mom is poisoning her animals. Not like a lawyer or a cop asking her to provide evidence of her allegations but just like a friend chatting with a friend. If she says the kids are spying on her, you can say mildly, "It just looks like they're playing in their backyard to me." If she insists they're spying, ask her how she can tell, what would they be doing if they were just playing and what are they doing that indicates spying.

You may have to just follow your gut and feel your way along as you go. That's what I mean by the quote in my signature: "Traveler, there is no path. The path must be forged as you walk."

Ultimately you may convince her to accept psychiatric help because she trusts you and your advice. That won't happen if you force treatment on her.