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Submitted by Srividhya Sainathan on 17 August 2016

My elder sister was suspected to be suffering from Schizophrenia and she was under medication from a Psychiatrist during which time her condition had improved. then all of a sudden she refused to take medication and over the last few years her condition has worsened. now she refuses to leave her room or go to the doctor. in such a situation how can diagnosis and treatment be re-initiated? Please help. 

PatientsEngage

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 18:40

Dear Srividhya, somebody from SCARF will respond. In the meantime can you let us know if your sister complained about the medications? Was she satisfied with the improvement?

Thank you for the response. She did not complain or really say anything about how she felt. I am not even clear if she understood what the medication was for and whether the doctor appraised her of its purpose. there was no counselling done and she was just given the medicines.

YunaAngell

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:09

Hi Srividhya, I'm Yuna. I was hospitalized for 7 times due to sometimes trying to stop taking medicine myself. I have schizophrenia. I am on the way to further reducing the medications I'm on. I don't know if money is a factor for you, but Abilify is something I am trying, mostly non drowsy and for schizophrenia and maybe possibly a bit milder than most schizo meds. But it can be expensive.

But there are some who actually feel more depressed as a side effect on Abilify, so you have to be watchful and careful too. It's just like some people are allergic to painkillers. You have to help your loved one to observe the health condition and how the body reacts to the meds.

I know it all sounds difficult but recovery is possible. But first of all, the medication helps to stabilized someone with schizophrenia. But those regular meds can be so drowsy it gives me the yucky feeling too.

The emotional coping skills need to be built up. Very important to work on the inner self too.

YunaAngell

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 20:12

Is your loved one contactable? If you and your loved one need to talk to someone... I am here. But I live in Singapore so the time zone difference might be a factor. I can try my best to answer your questions about surviving schizophrenia. I am mostly stable nowadays. Is there a private messaging thing here? You can message me if needed.

Thank you so much Yuna for your prompt and detailed response. there are many family issues which are hindering the initiation of her treatment. My mother and myself are trying to work through those. Once I am closer to initiating treatment I will get in touch with you for guidance and direction. thanks once again.

Mangala R

Mon, 08/22/2016 - 11:25

Hi Srividya, I am Dr.Mangala form SCARF. Iam not sure in which city you and your sister are currently living. If you can contact the psychiatrist who saw her earlier in person and explain her condition, he might be able to help. If you are in Chennai please feel free to get in touch with SCARF. We will discuss the details about your sister's problems and think about means of getting your sister into a treatment schedule.

Mangala R

Mon, 08/22/2016 - 11:28

Srividya, You could also meet a new psychiatrist of your choice and convenience with old records ( If available) and discuss the issue . He/She will be able to guide you appropriately.

YunaAngell

Wed, 08/24/2016 - 13:10

Hi Srividhya, glad that Dr Mangala is here to help you too! Hi Dr Mangala! :)

Well recently in the past few days, I developed a rare side effect to Abilify. My blood pressure shot up sky high and I was having a bad time so I went back to the psychiatrist at the hospital to get my meds changed again.

That's the thing with me too. I have to monitor myself. I tend to develop allergies or some kind of adverse reactions to meds not immediately but over a period of time. It happened the last time for some jabs and then I was fine for the first few months, then I had bad rashes and my muscles where they injected me felt painful and swollen. It became like that afterwards every time they jabbed me. So the doctor agreed too I developed an allergy to that anti psychotic medical jab too.

That is also why whenever people ask me about the meds I'm on, I recommend that everyone has unique reactions to meds and please monitor yourself and contact your psychiatrist if anything happens!