dfwgoodguy

You sound like you would like to know more about this "disease".

I would tell your friend, since he is open about it, to inform you of when he has voices say things to him. Ask him why they would say that? Or what they mean by what they are saying?

Get him to ask the voices in front of you why they say what they are saying? Or what they mean? And so forth.

These voices will never reply. Unless the imagination of the individual is extreme as to they can have conversations with themselves.

Now this isn't a bad thing, that would lead more into MPD. (Multiple Personalty Disorder)

Find out what the voices are saying? Almost 90% of the time if not more, it is negative. Like this person is out to get you, or kill this person, or they are liars...etc..

It is WAY majory-wise negative thinking. If he was diagnosed as a child, and takes no medicine, I would assume he has become content with these voices and can ignore or blow off the comments said.

As humans, we choose to not deal with issues sometimes. Hard issues from childhood traumas, or issues we just choose not to deal with. Which is very easy in this day in age, with television, video games, and ...lol sugar, softdrinks and the sorts. (I will not go any further, as understandings are minimal)

As for the blackouts, if this occurs in your presence, ask what was he thinking before he lost conciousness. I am leaning towards the not sure about his "blackouts", as he would seek some sort of help, as blackouts are uncontrolled actions in thought and physical control on a concious level. And I doubt anyone would live with this, due to "complications". Negative.

Questions are good to ask to the individual, althought delving into the past, or hurtful memories can cause some problems, I would stay away from.
(Problems including, mania, physical altercations, rage, uncontrolled emotions, and more negative thoughts and actions.)

All aside, I would just ask him to be as open as he has been with you. And even more so if you are willing. Tell him if he is hearing voices, then to tell you what "they" are saying. Do not judge him, as even though these are "HIS" thoughts, maybe portrayed in another voice, or in some instances other languages (is very possible) these are un-controlled on a councious level, and should not be judged upon as how he is actually thinking or feeling..


Good Luck...

Also..try not to make a person go deeper into their psyche than they are willing to go, especially with this "illness".