Do I Sound Schizophrenic?

I have been told my doctors that I have paranoid schizophrenia. But I find it hard to believe. The voices and hallucinations seem more like daydreams. They're not vivid. I don't hear an actual voice, it's like a daydream. And I know they're not real, they just represent realistic problems in society. But I heard voices can be like waking dreams.

Last time I stopped taking my meds, I thought the apocalypse was drawing near and that I was damned. I saw evil eyes. I thought I was cursed. But I don't know...

They say it's schizophrenia because the meds are working. I'm on Haldol, an anti-psychotic. It has made me more stable.

My brain scan was normal, but they said schizophrenia wouldn't show up on a brain scan at my age.

I have this huge fear that someone or some group of people will take over my life and ruin it. My daydreams often involve people I've known or famous people like Malcolm X harassing me and controlling me.

Thoughts?

 

Stay away from the Conspiracy forums.

 

What does that mean?

 

There are a lot of crazy people there who will prey on your fears of others taking over your life, etc.

 

They know more about you than anybody on an internet forum does. It might be smart to get a second opinion from a doctor in a different medical practice.

 

That was a better answer than mine.

 

Sorry to hear of your problem. So many stories over the years of people stopping their meds for one reason or another and then serious situations arise. If your meds are working, it seems reasonable to continue, does it not. You seem to be able to intellectualize that some of your thoughts are due to your diagnosis, which seems like a good thing to me. I sure don't know much about the results of different meds relative to treating your diagnosis or any other. Hell, I'm just an old construction guy---but I truly wish you well.

And then what Karen said also.

 

no, youre just nuts.. happens when you stay in the tree all day and night. take a walk get some fresh air. go to a wooded area, find a creek/stream and listen to it. turn off the tv set.

 

it is impossible to diagnose a person on an internet forum. if the meds are working, that would be a positive sign that your doctor is right.

if you don't trust your doctor go consult another one and see what they say.

 

Have you used any drugs?
Some of this stuff can be caused by some drugs, but most of the time it's only temporary

 

An internet forum is probably THE worst place to ask for advice of this nature.

 

Don't be so negative!

 

No I've never used drugs and am strongly against drug use.

 

Well. i have no clue then. Sorry but it sounds really freaky if you don't use drugs and see stuff. But i hope you will get better!

 

I fail to see how my comment was negative, but whatevs.

 

"schizophrenic" is a very broad term. it can mean a lot of things. you dont have to have true hallucinations to be labeled schizo.

 

TheSamantha, the symptoms that you describe certainly sound like schizophrenia, especially the bits about Malcom X. Do you feel in control of the hallucinations? Have they gotten in the way of your daily living? I recall you mentioned having difficulty in college, perhaps this was influenced by schizophrenia?

I would try and get a second opinion from a physician or a therapist who might be able to help you a bit more than we would.

 

It sounds like it to me. I am not schizophrenic but can relate. Heavy drug use (amphetamines + dissociatives) can produce symptoms that model schizophrenia and it can be terrifying. I advise you to stay on your meds and definitely stay away from phencyclidine like drugs and drugs that increase dopamine levels.

Have you tried Thorazine?

 

Are you taking any other drugs, besides the ones your doctors prescribe? For example, weed?

And does your family history include any members who have diagnosed with it or other psychotic disorders?

My dads brother is schizophrenic. It became really noticeable when he was in his late teens but our family says he was always a little different from his siblings. My grandparents are pretty good christians, and one day he started reading the devil bible (not sure which book). At some point he felt guilty for doing this, and was fighting with voices so he took steel wool pads and attempted to cleanse himself by scrubbing his face with them. Coincidentally my mother and I found him right after he had done so; I rang the doorbell to my grandparents home and he had answered with a bloody face and all. Shortly after, he was committed and has been in a home ever since (for about 24 year now). He also attempted to drown me once, and threatened to push me into my grandparents pool.

My opinion is that, if you can try to foster the "better" voices that tell you good things please do. Try not to become aggravated by disturbing thoughts or things you hear. Its very natural for all people to have negative self talk, so do not be alarmed if you do this once in a while just try to develop some positive habits that counteract it.

 

You're hearing your subconscious mind I think...