Andrea's Story

Actual patient. Individual results may vary.

Andrea has an ear for music and a love for trout fishing. She also has Schizophrenia. When she was in her 20s, Andrea met Linda, the mother of a friend. Linda encouraged Andrea to see a healthcare professional, which led to her diagnosis of Schizophrenia and to treatment.

Andrea’s symptoms
Andrea experienced negative symptoms of Schizophrenia, rarely leaving the house and avoiding contact with other people. She also experienced positive symptoms of Schizophrenia, such as seeing figures lurking nearby, feeling insects under her skin, and hearing voices tell her what to do. At times, the voices got Andrea into trouble. “I set a fire in a room,” Andrea recalls, “because it seemed like if I did what they told me to do, it would relieve the intensity.”

The cumulative impact of Andrea’s symptoms reached a peak when she found herself without a home, living in a car, and experiencing suicidal thoughts, leading her to reach out to a friend. One day Andrea called her friend Suzanne for help and, in the process, met Linda, Suzanne’s mother. Linda took an interest in Andrea, got to know her, took her in, and became Andrea’s caregiver.

Getting diagnosed
Linda researched Andrea’s symptoms and persuaded her to visit a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her with Schizophrenia. The diagnosis, while devastating, was a relief. “It did give me hope that there was going to be treatment,” Andrea remembers.

Andrea tries ABILIFY
While attending a conference on mental health together, Linda and Andrea learned about ABILIFY. Working with her psychiatrist, Andrea decided to try ABILIFY. Within a few weeks, ABILIFY was helping Andrea manage her symptoms. As her symptoms, such as the voices and visual hallucinations, came under control, Andrea began to socialize again.

Do you think this story would help a loved one or friend better understand your own challenges with Schizophrenia?

Andrea, who now lives with Linda and her husband, has begun taking classes at a local college. She also took a few classes at a local craft store, where she realized that she has a knack for decorating cakes. She enjoys making unique cakes for family and friends for special occasions.

Linda’s role has expanded from caregiver to best friend: “Andrea has become my buddy. I always tell her that she’s the other side of me.” Andrea agrees: “We work well together; we’re such a great team.”

Personal Stories are experiences of patients on ABILIFY. Individual results may vary. If you have further questions about ABILIFY, please talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.

Before you start treatment with ABILIFY, please see U.S. FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.