Posted by xjs7 on September 14, 2002, at 20:42:03
In reply to facial features/psychosis onset , posted by tancu on September 13, 2002, at 20:38:07
Hi tancru,
When I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I presented with what psychiatrists call "inappropriate affect"--meaning that my emotional expressions (such as smiling or looking sad) did not match to what I was saying. So, for example, when I said something sad I would have this big grin on my face, and I would look like an extremely happy person.
Affect changes like this are extremely common in the psychoses, and psychiatrists are trained to look for them. Many people with schizophrenia present with what is called "flat affect", meaning that no emotion is expressed when the person is speaking.
Fortunately for me all these symptoms are a thing of the past; I improved dramatically with the addition of an antipsychotic agent, and am able to post here. I think the best thing for you to do is take your friend to a psychiatrist (this may mean going to the E.R.). Psychosis is an extremely serious medical condition and demands prompt diagnosis and treatment. I hope things work out for the best for you and your friend.
xjs7
poster:xjs7
thread:1065
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1072.html