I was thinking…have they checked her for EP? Temporal lobe Epilepsy reminds very much of schizophrenia. You don’t have seizures, but instead you have hallucinations and moments of abcense. EP must be ruled out before you can dx someone with sz.
Welcome to the forum @justagirlinvegas
Please look at these sites:
http://www.leapinstitute.org/ - under resources are free videos on using LEAP
LEAP is a way of communicating to build trust. Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner.
http://dramador.com/ - Dr. Xavier Amador is a clinical psychologist whose brother had schizophrenia. He is the founder of the LEAP Institute. Wrote the book: I’m Not Sick I Don’t Need Help! Can buy from his website.
Search Xavier Amador and LEAP on youtube.com and you should find some long videos
Treatment Advocacy Center - under problems you will see anosognosia
Anosognosia looks like denial but is different.
Bayes for Schizophrenics: Reasoning in Delusional Disorders - LessWrong - helped my understand delusions
Early Psychosis Treatment center information in these two links
http://www.raiseetp.org/sites/
Psychiatric Treatment Centers affiliated with Medical Schools in the USA
This link may help you find a psychiatrist in your area
The best advise I can give is to learn what you can about schizophrenia so that you can try to understand what your daughter is going through. As a parent we can’t completely understand however I do believe that we can have a basic understanding and empathy. The right medications can give her, her life back. Have patience with yourself as well as you learn to cope with what is happening. Wishing you and your daughter all the best.
Welcome to the forum. This is probably one of the best places to be for support and information.
I believe my son was also having syptoms long before he had a diagnosis. He was also on some heavy duty drugs. When he was diagnosed at 19-we were shocked to the core. The doctor looked at him for 5 minutes! My son has pretty much been extremely secretive through his whole illness. It is good that your daughter can talk to you about these things. I think the fact that she is not on drugs will help. At least you will not have to figure out what is drug-related or mental illness.
She may have to have her meds tweaked, or even try something different. What works for one may not work for another.
I agree that keeping a medical journal would be good. You can keep track of dosages, reactions, etc…
I would get a doctor that will respond–or leave a LOT of messages until you get a callback.
I am so sorry-this is a tough road-but if you have enough support both of you will get through this.