7 yo with Schizophrenia on Oprah

elkpark · Jun 18, 2010

I see too many schizophrenic children in real life -- I don't need to watch Oprah emote over one on TV ... :rolleyes:

NCindasun21 · Jun 18, 2010

Me too. Just had a 5 year old. So sad. These kids should be playing with real friends, not imaginary demons.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 18, 2010

I'm surprised at the lack of interest here but ok. My thoughts were I wanted to see what if any myths were going to be force fed to the public and/or what awareness might surface and possibly help other children that are suffering. FWIW I thought it was fairly well done, and I only wish my patients had parents this motivated! I am relieved they are taking the safety of their son, even though it wasn't an ideal set-up, seriously. Of course the first thing I wanted to know was what is the family history like and I definitely wouldn't have had another child but of course thats just a personal judgement call.

NCindasun21 · Jun 18, 2010

Jules,

It's actually a repeat and I agree it was well done and not too exploitive. I was amazed at what the parents were doing, especially the father.

Many of my kids are "checked in" so that parents can get a rest. We need to continue to educate people this kind of stressful situation so that perhaps one day, respite care is available.

I agree with you 100% that I would not encourage the couple to have another child. It's amazing how selfish people can be. When there is a history, they can be placing a bulls eye on a kid. I recently had a patient with bi-polar and schizophrenia on both sides for 3 generations and they had 2...both with the same disorder.

It's gonna be a long life for everyone in that family.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jun 18, 2010

Was it the episode with the young girl? I'm not sure if I saw that episode or not, but would have liked too!

I work in child psych so watching stuff like that on tv is always very interesting. I like to watch the family dynamics as well as how it is portrayed on the show.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 18, 2010

It was and this family was very dedicated to her care. They even rented two apartments so one parent could be with their daughter and one with their son because she tries to harm him. They had her on Clozaril and felt it was effective but it seemed like she was still very delusional to me compared to the results I have seen in my patients. Sad stuff but nice to see a family actually accepting the prognosis and trying to be supportive of their child.

prowlingMA · Jun 18, 2010

There was a special on Discovery Health about the same little girl called " Born Schizophrenic'. Having a family member who committed suicide due to schizophrenia ( and two other family members diagnosed) is was very hard and emotional to watch.

I too questioned why they would have another child while the older one was having so many issues and hadn't been diagnosed yet.

But, I think they were doing the best they could to give the 2 kida as normal a life as possible. I know I would not be strong enough to deal with this child every day.

I am in awe of Psych nurses and know tht those who have served our family did the very best they could. :yeah:

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jun 24, 2010

In am always in awe of those families with young children with a severe mental illness and how they effectivly cope and handle not just their childs "life" and treatment (let alone her/his childhood) but marriage, etc.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 24, 2010

In am always in awe of those families with young children with a severe mental illness and how they effectivly cope and handle not just their childs "life" and treatment (let alone her/his childhood) but marriage, etc.

They are very few and far between in my experience. BTW I did read that there is schizophrenia on both sides of their family.

algebra_demystified · Jun 24, 2010

Jules,
It's actually a repeat and I agree it was well done and not too exploitive. I was amazed at what the parents were doing, especially the father.
Many of my kids are "checked in" so that parents can get a rest. We need to continue to educate people this kind of stressful situation so that perhaps one day, respite care is available.
I agree with you 100% that I would not encourage the couple to have another child. It's amazing how selfish people can be. When there is a history, they can be placing a bulls eye on a kid. I recently had a patient with bi-polar and schizophrenia on both sides for 3 generations and they had 2...both with the same disorder.
It's gonna be a long life for everyone in that family.

You are essentially advocating for eugenics.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jun 24, 2010

You are essentially advocating for eugenics.

isnt that an imposition rather than a suggestion? Face it, in the wild, the ones unable to take care of themselves die. By supporting and encouraging reproduction we are weakening the human race.......