Question about schizophrenia

[proud2BlibKansan]

My sister has it - 30 years now - she just turned 50 in May. She did really well for YEARS and then had a setback about 3 years ago when a new doctor decided to reduce her meds. She was delusional and paranoid, just like when she first got sick. So she was in the psych ward for a few weeks then to a group home then finally back to her apartment. And her doctors told us they learned to leave her med level alone. Since then she has been fine. We thought.

Last week, she jumped out of her apartment window. We think it was a suicide attempt. They took her back to the hospital and she is refusing to see any of us. Apparently she is healed physically but having some severe delusions. So sounds like her meds are out of whack again.

Here's my question. I did some online research and can't find an answer. Do schizophrenics have a reduced lifespan? I guess I am trying to prepare myself for losing her. Should I expect her to live a full lifespan or is she likely to die early due to disease or of course - suicide.

I just don't know what to expect and it is freaking me out. I know this sounds morbid but I want to prepare myself and my kids - they are very close to her. She has pulled back from her siblings since our mom died last year and I don't know if it is grief or her disease. So now I am wondering if we will be losing her soon.

Anyone know or know where I can look this up?

Thanks.

[hedgehog]

1. I would talk with her doctors for sure.

I know a lot of people go though metabolic changes at this age; anything and everything from menopause to thyroid trouble to diabetes. Maybe there is an underlying condition tha tis alteriing her response to her prescriptions?

Another possibility- is she able to afford her prescriptions or was she maybe trying to stretch her pills?

It's good to know you are so close. So many people in this situation cut themselves off from family and friends.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Could be menopause

No problem affording her meds; she is on medicaid and I don't think they cost her anything. If they do, it is a minimal cost.

[Droopy]

2. On average schizophrenics live shorter lifespans than normal people

Some of that is due to suicide, but I think a greater portion is that people who are severely mentally ill tend not to take good care of themselves. A greater portion smoke, some don't get the health care that they need, and their diets tend to be unhealthy leading to obesity or other diet related problems.

But if your sister starts taking good care of herself then I would think that she would live a normal lifespan. When she comes back around again, ask her if she needs any help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

[MuseRider]

3. Hi Proud!

I don't think you ever told me about your sister, at least not about the schizophrenia. I just happened in here and saw this and wanted to lend my support for what that is worth. You have been pummeled the last few years haven't you? I know what that is like so remember that you have a friend just 60 or so miles away and you have my cell number. I can listen even though you know I talk too much :).

My experience with schizophrenia, as a nurse, is that it is so varied that it is difficult to say anything because everyone is so different. She is lucky to have you and when she stabilizes and gets back into the family you will be one of the best things for her. Make sure she stays on her meds. Most people don't like them and they tend to be very non compliant with taking them.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. She is good about taking her meds; always has been

So that's not a problem. The problem is her doctors keep reducing them since she does so well.

[MuseRider]

6. Are they the same docs

or has she changed docs? It would seem they would suspect this to happen if it has before.

Still, you know how to get a hold of me if you need to blow some of the stress off. Lord knows you have listened to me from time to time :). :hug:

Edit to clarify

[mdmc]

7. All mental illness takes its toll on overall health

so, yes, there is a reduced life span.

Peace and low stress and best of luck to you and your family.

[blondie58]

8. what a dilemma- I'm so sorry for all of you

I don't think that it reduces their life spans- I would think that it is only the suicides counted that reduce their life expectancy.

I have a friend at work whose son was dx with schizophrenia, so I am on the lookout for things about it now. I found an article that said that smoking is actually good for them- I don't remember the reasons now. I tried to look it up and here is one that I came up with-

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/anp/2006/00000040/00000006/art00010

I would think though, that her body has changed and that has affected her meds some.

Best of luck to you all. Dawn