How to Approach a Paranoid Schizophrenic

Schizophrenia is a severe and persistent mental health condition that affects about 1 percent of the population. Symptoms of schizophrenia can impair a person's ability to function effectively in society and interfere with interpersonal communication. Knowing how to approach a person diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia can ease these difficulties for the individual and help prevent a crisis before it starts.

Instructions

Be Prepared

• 1

  Educate yourself about this mental health condition. Schizophrenia is a brain disease that can run in families. Of the several subtypes, paranoid schizophrenia is the most common. Those diagnosed with this illness suffer from delusions (beliefs that are not true) and hallucinations (when one sees or hears something not actually there). Hallucinations can also affect the other senses but are not as common. Treatment includes antipsychotic medication, supportive counseling and social skills training.

• 2

  Seek a calming environment with minimal distractions. A person who is paranoid experiences delusions that are centered around extreme distrust of others and/or beliefs of being persecuted. They may hear voices that support these false ideas. Choosing when and where to approach a paranoid schizophrenic can increase chances of a successful interaction.

• 3

  Be respectful and empathize. This is a devastating condition brought on through no fault of the individual. It is not a character defect. While approaching a paranoid schizophrenic can be a challenge, this does not compare to the fearful emotions and disturbing symptoms that person lives with on a regular basis.

• 4

  Do not confront hallucinations or delusions in an aggressive manner by informing the schizophrenic he is wrong or mistaken. This may serve to reinforce feelings of paranoia. Instead explain to the person that while you do not share these experiences, you do understand these issues are real to her.

• 5

  Stay aware of your nonverbal communication (i.e., body language). Crowding a person can increase feelings of agitation and distrust, so respect personal space. Eye contact and other appropriate gestures of interest will show you are actively listening.