After years of suffering with bouts of depression, I have recently been told I have Schizophrenia.

This has devastated me. I find it unbelievable. Over twenty years ago, I was told I had manic depression, how can i have Schizophrenia?

Can anyone give me advice on what my next step should be?
[Edited 4/3/08 11:32am]

I'm sorry, this is really personal stuff, but it seems weird to me that you would have to be told this and that it would come as a surprise.

Schizophrenia is a series of symptoms, right? Doctors are careful about that being a diagnosis.

Why wouldn't the diagnosis of bipolar stand? (I know that's personal, take it as rhetorical.)

Sorry to hear this...

I was diagnosed as Bipolar a few years ago- and my cousin wasn diagnosed as schizophrenic about 10 years ago. I have too say some of our behaviour during our "phases" are smiliar- However my cousin is clearly schizophrenic and his behaviour clearly shows this...

If you are unsure if you have been diagnosed correctly dont have any doubts about getting second or even third opinions...

slm4m said:

Get a second opinion and - if it's the same as the first - consult a doctor who specializes in its treatment.

2the9s said:

Yes, it does seem really strange too me also.How could one diagnosis be wrong after all this time. Basically, I was given a new medication and sent on my way.

CJTJ said:

I am aware of the similiar phases, I have been bipolar for many years, but you are right they are similiar.

as others have said get a second and third opinion, if any of them say the same as the first doc then u no 2 go with that.

slm4m said:

The diagnosis may have been necessary for the new meds they put you on, though it sounds from what you have described that it was done in an offhand manner, though maybe it just seemed that way? Have you had this doctor for long?

Somne of the meds that are traditionally used for treating symptoms of schizophrenia have been remarkably successful, in low maintenance doses, for treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

If you are manifesting symptoms now, you should listen to your doctor, right?

A few things are possible: That you have a mood disorder with schizo-effective features; a psychosis (like schizophrenia) with mood disorder features; or an earnest diagnosis of both. And the sort of thing that has happened to you is not uncommon -- the symptoms are sometimes tough to discern, and schizophrenia in males is usually diagnosed only at adulthood (though more often in the early to mid-20s). If you have recently been diagnosed (assuming it's NOT merely to justify the prescription of a certain drug, as 9s suggests), it's perhaps -- though not necessarily -- because you have experienced evidence of hallucinating.

At any rate, I feel for you. It must be a tough time. Like bipolar disorder, though, schizophrenia doesn't deserve much of the stigma and ridiculous assumptions that are attached to it. You needn't think of yourself as "crazy." Schizophrenia is not "split personality disorder." It suggests certain cognitive and perception challenges, and it is reasonably manageable with a faithful combination of therapies.

Nevertheless, I would absolutely recommend several opinions... especially with regard to meds, and you definitely want to read up on this. There are lots of resources available these days.
[Edited 4/3/08 12:10pm]

2the9s said:

First, My symtoms do not seem typical of schizohrenia, I know it sounds silly but I never heard vioces nor do I feel as if people are out to get me, etc, etc.

slm4m said:

I think people have misconceptions about schizophrenia. Some people confuse it with multiple personality. Maybe it's not exactly what you think it is.

But your doctor could definitely be wrong. It's very serious, and I'd definitely get a second opinion.

NDRU said:

I am only drawing from what i have read about the condition

These are just my cousins actions (i know that they can be different for other people)

Certain things such as large amounts of blood/water etc can make him believe he has hurt or killed someone- When he cut himself shaving, he believed he had killed a man- Went running out into the street screaming.

He seems too have a few "friends" Which are actually multiple personalities- And will often talk about himself in the 3rd person- as if we are having a conversation about him not too him.

He becomes very protective over certain objects- these change regularly.

Become angry and act on things that haven't happened-

Types of Schizophrenia

The kinds of symptoms that are utilized to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia differ between affected people and may change from one year to the next within the same person as the disease progresses. Different subtypes of schizophrenia are defined according to the most significant and predominant characteristics present in each person at each point in time. The result is that one person may be diagnosed with different subtypes over the course of his illness.

Paranoid Subtype

The defining feature of the paranoid subtype is the presence of auditory hallucinations or prominent delusional thoughts about persecution or conspiracy.

Disorganized Subtype

As the name implies, this subtype’s predominant feature is disorganization of the thought processes. As a rule, hallucinations and delusions are less pronounced, although there may be some evidence of these symptoms.

Catatonic Subtype

The predominant clinical features seen in the catatonic subtype involve disturbances in movement. Affected people may exhibit a dramatic reduction in activity, to the point that voluntary movement stops, as in catatonic stupor.

Undifferentiated Subtype

The undifferentiated subtype is diagnosed when people have symptoms of schizophrenia that are not sufficiently formed or specific enough to permit classification of the illness into one of the other subtypes.

Residual Subtype

This subtype is diagnosed when the patient no longer displays prominent symptoms. In such cases, the schizophrenic symptoms generally have lessened in severity. Hallucinations, delusions or idiosyncratic behaviors may still be present, but their manifestations are significantly diminished in comparison to the acute phase of the illness.


Not everyone who has schizophrenia experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. The severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time. The top 10 signs of schizophrenia are:

Delusions (believing things that are not true)
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Disorganized thinking
Agitation
Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence)
Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
Lack of drive or initiative
Social withdrawal
Apathy
Emotional unresponsiveness

One of the most important kinds of impairment caused by schizophrenia involves the person’s thought processes. The individual can lose much of the ability to rationally evaluate his surroundings and interactions with others. There can be hallucinations and delusions, which reflect distortions in the perception and interpretation of reality. The resulting behaviors may seem bizarre to the casual observer, even though they may be consistent with the schizophrenic’s abnormal perceptions and beliefs.




This subject strikes a very severe cord for me.

morningsong said:

This is great information, morningsong. Thanks.

I'm bipolar, and my father was schizophrenic. I've been told I'm considered a risk for developing it myself. I know how you feel.

NDRU said:

NDRU's totally right. Popular culture often portrays it as being about having two or more "personalities", but that's not what it is at all:

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...izophrenia

You know what? From everything you have showed/shared with the org over the years, you have really always seemed to have quite a grasp on reality and what makes you tick. I think if the majority of us were tested, we'd come back with some kind of clinical psychological diagnosis. Now you know the facts. All you can do from here is deal with them and keep yourself grounded by being aware and following doctors orders. I wish you peace and happiness and success in your future dealing with this.

slm4m said:

Hi,
just wondering...
did the doctor tell you why your diagnosis has been changed?
Or is this another doctor, and his opinion just differed from you previous doctor?
Have you made any changes in your life recently, that affected you emotionally
that might cause the doctor to think these changes are other symptoms (hope that ? makes sense)?

But with the two disorders mentioned, IMO,
there really is a fine line between the two and I've seen people being
mis-diagnosed and re-diagnosed from one disorder to the next, then back again.
That's because of differing opinions.
It's good that you are trying to read up on it and learn as much as you can.