Borderline Schizophrenic???

I just started dating a guy. I really like him a lot. He's a lot like me. Maybe too much like me...

He had a mild psychotic episode yesterday. I didn't know he had problems too. he told me that his diagnosis is "borderline schizophrenia". I never heard of borderline schizophrenia before. I don't want to sound stupid, but I thought you either had it or you didn't. Does anyone know what he might be talking about?

Can schizophrenia come with a dissociated identity? Not lots of them - just someone a little different someone who didn't recognize me. It would probably be better if he went back on his meds. he needs better meds. Lithium sucks.

It doesn't stop me from liking him - I just want to know what's going on. I want to be able to help if I can. I want to understand. I'm not scared, just confused...

I don't know the answer to your question, but I could give my opinion. I'll send you hugs though instead

Thanks for the hugs, Fuzzybear!

On top of all this, my cyclothymia is kicking. I really needed the hug...

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
This refers to a condition which has some of the characteristics of schizophrenia, but not enough for a firm diagnosis, or perhaps some of the characteristics of schizophrenia and some of the characteristics of another condition. This term is also used in several different ways: as a separate diagnosis, with its own group of symptoms as a way of describing a mild form of schizophrenia, and as a diagnosis of personality abnormality.

This lack of precision in the use of the term makes this diagnosis of limited value. Often a person given a diagnosis of borderline schizophrenia will later be given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, mood disorder or personality disorder.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
From: http://www.enotalone.com/article/3017.html

Perna - that sounds like what he said. He's got more tests before the diagnosis is complete.
I think diagnoses are voodoo anyways...

What can I do to help, to be supportive? Or is it pretty much about how I'd want someone to treat me? I don't want to have some stupid hang-up over this. I KNOW about being mentally ill and I understand about not wanting to feel different. I just know that the schizophrenic spectrum can get to be pretty serious. I just want to help him be OK.

I would just respond as yourself, be as "normal" as possible (as opposed to pointing things out about his behavior and possibly making him feel different). Go with the flow as best you can?

It sounds like they don't quite have a fix on where he fits, could be several things rather than schizophrenic or the sz could be "mild" so it's not a big problem, etc. Maybe ask him if/how you can help?

It's good that he is receiving treatment now. If he does develop symptoms of Schizophrenia then the outcome will be better if he is treated earlier.

<blockquote>
PsyChris: ...the outcome will be better if he is treated earlier.

Chris, would it be possible for you to provide some verification of that statement?

Also, would you be willing to explain your comment in light of the evidence from associations such as the World Health Organization that has demonstrated that individuals with schizophrenia in developing countries have higher rates of recovery than individuals in industrialized countries? What are your thoughts in regard to the treatment options utilized by these disparate settings?

Spiritual...

I'm not Chris and I'm too tired to research but I can offer a suggestion for the differences in outcomes of individuals with psychotic disorders across the globe.

There are cultural differences between nations that typically allow for more acceptance of behaviors we consider eccentric. In multiple nations, people with hallucinations are cherished for their "visions."

Illness is a very western-ideal... we pathologize everything.

The best example I can give, while sleepy, involves the Tsunami. I remember receiving training on how to best help those victims if I chose to volunteer. They are very accepting of behaviors we would consider psychotic in the United States.

So, I don't necessarily believe that outcomes for schizophrenia are any different in any nation... I think acceptance and interpretation are vastly, vastly different.

just my opinion...

For the record, I don't really concur with Chris's earlier is better... I'm not suggesting he was referring to this particular movement... but there is a strong movement to identify and treat schizophrenia in children. I understand their point... catch it before the psychotic break, do less damage... but honestly, I worry about the effects of the medication on the developing brain... as well as the overdiagnosis of the disorder based upon the fact that children are naturally "psychotic"... ha

Very interesting questions... thanks for makign me think

<blockquote>
Thanks for your response SingleGirl. I would agree, the question is worthy of pondering -- why do individuals in developing (i.e. third world) nations have a higher rate of recovery?

I don't have any absolute answers myself but the following might provide some food for thought. My apologies if any links are repeated...

- Schizophrenia & Culture

- Long-Term Follow-Up Studies

- The Developing World Experience

thank you, i've already bookmarked them to read when I'm a little more coherent...

one of those super long days you know?

i LOVE reading stuff like this so I really appreciate you sharing the links, i'll try to round up some too as i come across new stuff

hope you are well!

<blockquote>
SingleGirl: hope you are well!

I am.

I look forward to reading your links when you're less tired.

Namaste.

Even if they consider it borderline right now, maybe thats better than full blown sciz.