– I don’t trust you! – the new patient exclaimed angrily. - Well, now you’re letting your hands go! You've already scratched me all over. Better not touch me! Half a minute of silence hung in the four-bed ward. No one expected such a monologue from a new patient. I came to meet her without first looking at her medical record, so as not to be biased towards the person after learning about his diagnosis. I introduced myself, said that I was a psychologist, and that’s where it all began! “Why don’t you trust me?” – I asked again, touching the patient’s hand. But she didn’t want to answer the question, and even accused me of scratching her. Well, no, no, your right,” I said calmly and left the room. Never before in my practice have I encountered such mistrust. Having opened the patient’s medical record, I saw the diagnosis there: “Paranoid schizophrenia. Remission.” The patient's age is over 60. The next day I went to the same ward again. Valentina* (that was the name of the new patient) behaved completely differently. She smiled kindly, said that she was doing well, and began talking about her life, her relatives, and her well-being. There was complete mutual understanding between us. We saw each other almost every day until Valentina left the hospital. We never remembered the circumstances of our acquaintance. Valentina imperceptibly turned into a smiling, friendly, pretty woman. She soon made friends with other patients, communicated with interest with volunteers, and enjoyed participating in the services held at the hospital by Father Alexander Strekha, an Orthodox priest who cares for patients in the hospice and nursing department. We went to services together with her, I supported Valentina’s hand. Sometimes Valentina went to visit a Protestant patient who was well versed in the Bible. The patient has a very beautiful and strong voice. You can even sing songs with him - Christian and pop. Before being discharged, Valentina told me that she wanted to refer her husband to this patient so that he could inspire him to believe in God. Before leaving home, Valentina went into the resident’s room and talked with the doctor. Then I walked her to the room. “I’ve been afraid of the authorities all my life,” she said, smiling. - And the doctor is also a boss. Therefore, before entering the staff room, I first prayed, and only then opened the door. “Oh, I understand you.” “I’m also a little afraid of the authorities,” I smiled. “And prayer is always appropriate.” “Yes,” Valentina agreed, and we said goodbye. Paranoid schizophrenia. The patient's behavior is characterized by suspicion, tension, aggressiveness, and hostility. He is characterized by irritability, secrecy, isolation, and intolerance. This is exactly how Valentina behaved when she was admitted to the hospital. The patient may develop post-schizophrenic depression with a high risk of suicide. That is why the hospital nurses were concerned that Valentina tried to open the window at night. But the next day the patient was simply unrecognizable! The attentive and friendly attitude of the doctor, psychologists and nurses, the lack of super-control and the provision of a certain degree of freedom did their good work. And the volunteers helped, and of course, Father! Now only Valentina’s medical record could tell that the patient had such a diagnosis, but in no case her behavior. And we also talked about opening the window the next day. Valentina herself raised this topic. She said she felt stuffy at night because the hospital's heating was still on. She wanted to open the window slightly, but could not do this, since the windows are located too high from the floor. Now it has become clear to everyone that the patient did not have any suicidal thoughts. We all miss Valentina a little. (* The patient’s name has been changed).... .... .... ....The article was published in the newspaper "Medical Bulletin" on November 22, 2018. in the section "Literary competition. With" t "urgent help".***– I’m not pressuring you! – suvora pramovila".