Unfounded expressions of suspicion. Unusual or strange fears, such as saying someone wants to harm them. Evidence of hallucinations, or changes in sensory experiences; for example: seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing, or feeling things that others at the same time and place, in that same situation, don’t experience. [4] X Research source Disorganized writing or speech. Mismatching facts that don’t relate to one another. Conclusions that don’t follow the facts. “Negative” symptoms (i. e. , reductions of typical behavior or mental functioning) such as a lack of emotion (sometimes called anhedonia), no eye contact, no facial expressions, neglect of hygiene, or social withdrawal. Unusual adornment, such as offbeat clothing, worn in a crooked, or otherwise inappropriate manner (one sleeve or pant leg rolled up for no apparent reason, mismatched colors, etc. ). Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior, such as putting one’s body into weird postures, or engaging in pointless excessive/repeated movements such as buttoning/zipping up and down one’s jacket.
Though part of the schizophrenia spectrum, this is not schizophrenia, so the methods of relating described here for the person with schizophrenia won’t apply to the individual with schizoid personality disorder.
If you are unsure, try to ask friends and family of the individual in question. Do so tactfully, by saying something like “I want to make sure I don’t say the wrong thing or do something wrong, so I wanted to ask: does X have a mental disorder, perhaps schizophrenia? So sorry if I’m wrong, it’s just that I see some of the symptoms and still wish to treat them respectfully. "
Although it may be difficult to imagine some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, you can still imagine what it is like to be out of control of your own mind and possibly to not be aware of this loss of control or to not fully grasp the real situation.
These voices may be criticizing them as you talk.
Get a sense of the specific delusions so you know what information to filter through in the conversation. Keep possible grandiosity in mind. Remember that you are talking to someone who may think as if a famous person, authority or ascended beyond the realm of ordinary logic. Try to be as agreeable as possible while talking. Don’t be overly flowery or flattering with many compliments, though.
If you need to talk to someone else about them, say it in a way that one wouldn’t mind hearing, or take a moment to speak in private.
Is there a history of hostility? Has there ever been an arrest? Are there any delusions or hallucinations in particular that I should be aware of? Are there any specific ways I should react to any situations you think I might find myself in with this person?
Do your best to think ahead of time about how you’ll calmly reassure and gently talk the person out of anger or paranoia. Maybe there is something you can do to make the person feel at ease. If, for instance, they feel the government is spying on them, offer to cover the windows with aluminum foil to be safe and protected from any scanning/spying devices.
If you imagine what it must be like to live with such a problematic disorder, you will realize the gravity of the situation and that such problems are nothing to mock.
Suggest to check in with the doctor first before making such a serious decision. Remind that if one feels better now, it may be because of medication use, but that continuing to feel better may require continued use of those medications.
If they think you are writing things about them, don’t text anyone while being watched. If they think you are stealing, avoid being by yourself in the room or house for long periods of time.
