Getting a Diagnosis

I have recently given in to that fact the my son has paranoid schizophrenia. For years I told myself it was teenage angst. He is 25 now and I can no longer pretend. I could tell you everything that has been going on, but if you are in this forum you already know.

I would like to hear from some of you that were diagnosed at this age about how you were convinced to get help. My son will not see anyone. I'm at the end of my rope.

Why such conviction? It's really quite likely that (if I'm getting this right) from adolescence to the age of full brain maturity, someone who has schizophrenia would most likely of been hospitalized in between due to bizarre/threatening behaviour there was the presence of psychosis since teenage, which admittedly is where it usually begins in males, being the prodomal phase.

Talking more about your sons behaviour would help me understand, not so much you, as you have your mind made up. Your seeking conformation yes?

I understand it must be difficult. I'm 25 now, I was diagnosed bi-polar at 18, drug induced psychosis at 19, schizoaffective, at 21, paranoid schizophrenia at 22, now I rest on the title of schizoaffective manic subtype at my current age.
I'm trying to illustrate that even doctors can not always clearly recognise an illness, so what makes you think you can diagnose your son? You've spent a lot of time with him I guess, unless your a doctor, don't try and convince your self, it will not help. (Unless you commit him, but that's a can of worms, restraint from such is advised)

Does he ever act erratically, say strange things, state a lot, fixate on his own world, avoid guests, little friends, report hallucinations? These types of things?

Does your son smoke cannabis, or use other drugs? That could definitely be a cause of psychosis. Long time use of cannabis in susceptible people can cause psychosis that mirrors schizophrenia in some ways.

Why don't you share some of what you have noticed that suggests schizophrenia?

Every ones different yet the same.

I'm sorry if that was rude.

I approached a GP initially to mention depression and paranoia, she gave me here opinionated diagnosis with the failed archive, "you know smoking marijuana causes schizophrenia don't you?" (Not true, but close). referred me to a psychologist. It snow balled, and there was 7 years in and out of institutionalization.

I was a little rude as I can understand your sons disinclination to seek a professional opinion.

Patients often don't trust doctors, but the reason for that is it works both ways. Vicious cycle type situation.

All the best, but make sure you approach the middle way if possible.

Here's an idea. perhaps you could acquire anti psychotic of a description in keeping with correct dosage in a legal way to offer your son treatment in a non binding sense (this is a long shot)

You may need to find incentive. Look for his deficits and approach cautiously if possible.

That's all I have.