Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Danni2]

Hello, I am new and have joined for supports and information. My 25 year old has been diagnosed with schizophrenia although the family feel we would like a re-assessment. The medication seems to be helping but we feel that there a traits of autism and social anxiety/depression. Has anyone experienced something similar?  I would be grateful for any advice around finding a psychiatrist specialised in schizophrenia/autism/anxiety.  There are a lot of sensory traits but no hallucinations, hearing voices, although there has been signs of paranoia on the occasions where drug and alcohol have been involved where it has lead to drug induced psychosis. Please help 🙏

[tyme]

Hey @Danni2 ,

My brother in law has experienced paranoia and delusions due to drug use. He is on anti-psychotics due to this and will most likely be on medication for the rest of his life. 

It could be very possible that your child's autism has led to social anxiety and depression which has then led to drug-use. It's certainly worth a second opinion.

Is your child experiencing acute paranoia? Or is their anxiety affecting their everyday functioning? Why I'm asking is that sometimes, a private hospital admission may give you some answers. I'm not sure if you have private health insurance. You child may get more wrap around support that way.

I hear you are concerned. But good on you for reaching out. 

Hope to hear from you soon.

[Danni2]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate with what you mentioned about the autism which has led to social anxiety and depression which has then led to drug-use.
The paranoia only appeared with the drug and alcohol use and their anxiety is affecting their everyday functioning. The drug use has stopped but the drinking happens occasionally and heavy smoking! We don't have the private insurance but we are thinking to apply for the NDIS for psychiatry, re assessment etc as there is the diagnosis of schizophrenia and is currently getting DSP. We really are just walking in the dark for information on supports and help for a better quality of life. It feels that the meds keeps everyone safe but the quality of life is poor and .
dibilitating. I am just trying and hoping for medical help and supports for better quality of life as I hear people say that you can live a well and meaningful life living with schizophrenia. We would like to achieve this. 🤞

[TheDad]

Hi Danni, my son is also diagnosed with schizophrenia but like yours, displayed no "positive" symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, voices etc.  He only had "negative" symptoms, lack of motivation, lack of displaying emotion, lack of volition, some catatonic times etc...  He is on (aripiprazole) at the moment which helps a fair bit.

We are doing what we can to keep him social - take him with us all the time if we go out for simple things which helps - and constantly do things one on one with him - play cards, board games, duet on piano etc.