brother

My brother was recently diagnoised with a mild form of schizophernia.  Prior to this he had expericened several tragdies in his life: he was expelld from college, he was rejected from a fraternity, he lost his job, he had a kid out of wedlock, and had been to jail for petty theift.  However, I believe that this chemical imbalance was from a cannibis habit he has and maybe received something that was laced.  He is refusing that he has a problem even thought the courts order him 21 days in mental instituion because he hears voices and talks about a life that does not exist.  My question is:  Was it the drugs that caused this or a mental breakdown?  Will he ever be the same or even be able to live a normal life? Thank you.  I am very afraid for him he just turned 21!!!

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Kofi,

It is unfortunate your brother has gone through so much, especially at such a young age.

The cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Different clinical presentations may have different causes.

Studies have shown possible attributing factors such as, genetic, environmental, biological or neurological.

Substance abuse may present a picture similar to schizophrenia, with delusions, paranoia or hallucinations.

Fortunately, new medications are available and others are being developed to help reduce the devastating symptoms of schizophrenia.

Discuss your concerns with your brother's psychiatrist.

Best Wishes to you both.


HFHS M.D.-SW

[lily]

I have a family of 9, and out of the 9 I have 2 uncles that have been diagnosed schizophrenic. One who is about 27 and he's been like that since I could remember, but the other one who is about 24 was just recently diganosed. It has become really hard on the family, I am only 19yrs. old and want to do the best for my family. There's only one problem - I don't know what it is but the family is breaking up and my uncles can't get the professional help they need. We live in a very isolated place, the only help we can get is from the doctors, that are in the medical level and police, it has become very hard. The doctors often say they are okay, I don't know what to do. I'm scared and don't know who to ask for help from, please do you have any advice?

signed,
confused Lily