Well siblings living with schizophrenia: impact of associated behaviors

As a result of the ongoing hallucinations and delusions, life at home became "anxious and chaotic" with "lots of stress." Because there was no on-site crisis intervention by professionals, well siblings were sometimes called upon to control the violent behavior and were vigilant and fearful regarding the potential for abuse. Negative symptoms were the most disturbing to well sibligs. Siblings need help to understand that social isolation and lack of motivation are symptoms of the illness-not due to "laziness."