How can I help my daughter?

My 23 year-old daughter has been suffering from what appear to be the symptoms of schizophenia.  I know that she will need to be seen by a licensed professional in order to get an actual diagnosis, but I don't know how to go about getting her to do that.  Her symptoms have been getting progressively worse since just after high school.  I previously thought that she was just going through a phase of irresponsibility and/or rebellion, but I am now almost sure that she is seriously mentally ill.  She seems fine on many occasions, and then will suddenly "lose it" and fly into a rage over something someone has said that she believes is meant to hurt her, even if the true intent of the conversation is explained to her.  She recalls events and conversations completely differently than others who were present at the same time.  She believes that we are lying to her when we try to explain our interpretation of what was said.  She asks people to "shut up" and "pipe down" even when no one is speaking in the room.  She is frequently angry and/or tearful and then can seems calm within minutes if she isn't provoked.  She is enrolled in college again now for the fifth time, but is unable to hold down a job or keep a roommate for more than a couple of months at a time.  She writes bad checks and then believes that someone has taken the money out of her account.  I am heartbroken for her because she was once a bright, loving, and responsible young lady. I am also concerned because I am worried that she might lash out one of these days and actually kill herself or someone else.  She has threatened to do so on numerous occasions, but hasn't taken any actions of that kind except to hit people. She refuses to go to counseling and says that a physician couldn't help but would only label her as "looney".  What can I do to help her? Can I have her committed involuntarily just for evaluation?  I don't want her locked away... I just love her very much and want to help her. I can't write any more right now - I am crying too hard myself.  Thank you for your assistance.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I believe, from what you have described, that you are correct in suspecting schizophrenia as a diagnosis.  The diagnosis itself is not as important as getting her help promptly before she injures herself or others.

Every state has different laws covering forcible evaluations. The best way to find out is to contact your local psychiatric society or community mental health center or a local hospital that has psychiatric inpatient care.

One thing you might try is finding a psychiatrist that you trust, consulting with him, and possibly arranging an appointment for your daughter, even if she doesn't want to go.

You might tell her that we now have powerful medications that can help her, and that she has a chemical imbalance in her brain that can be corrected. She will be going to a medical specialist..a psychiatrist.

[Susan Belluomini]

My daughter is 22 and has been diagnosed with Schizoeffective.I understand completely how you feel as I have been dealing with this for 2 yrs. She has been in and out of the hospitol. Her last time was for a couple of days due to drugs also present. Before that she spent 11 mos. in a behavioral care facility. I had a hard time dealing with that one. It broke my heart and made life almost imbearable to live. But I went to God and he has brought her, with the help of doctors, a long way. It is still hard to believe, because she to was very bright, and was told by one of her teachers, she had a nack for writing. You are just starting with what I have been through and sometimes it is not a pretty picture. I know she will continue to get better with God, new medicines and the help of professionals. I also would say to have her evaluated for her well being. The earlier the treatment the better the outcome.

Another concerned MOM-It helps to pray and believe for the best.