Diagnosed Paranoid Schizophrenia

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I've come to find out that I am not OCD Diagnosed like I initially thought but I do have the traits of being an OCD Diagnosed and the psychiatrist thought so also. I am instead diagnosed with Paranoid schizophrenia, which is ranked third in the most disabling conditions.

My point is I am distressed and dont know how I am going to cope with this, since its the third most disabling condition. I'm also 23 if that helps. in other words young with a disabling condition.

The plan is disability. But I can't fathem being disabled for my whole life. and living independently I'M 23. So young. This is if i get disability. Then idk what. Suicide?

Weren't you already on antipsychs before? Did you take them for the OCD?

I feel what I am saying is more of a vent. sorry I should have said that.

OK.

I want to understand your question so I can answer it better.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I've also been (mis?)diagnosed with schizophrenia in the past, but I'm 40 now and haven't experienced any cognitive problems. Also no paranoid or manic episodes. I'm socially anxious, prone to panic attacks and slightly depressed all the time, but I feel completely sane without taking any antipsychotic medication.

I think schizophrenia is a bit of a catch-all diagnosis for socially anxious people, so there is a good chance that you were misdiagnosed. Or do you experience unequivocal symptoms such as hearing voices or disorganized thinking? Your post doesn't read like you were suffering from disorganized thought or speech.

Last edited by CrazyCatLord on 28 Jan 2012, 9:58 am, edited 1 time in total.

Were you on antipsychotic drugs before? If you weren't, I mistakenly thought so.

oh.



oh, yes Respirdone. But have switched to Latuda since respirdone did not work.

*nods*

I'm diagnosed with a schizo spectrum disorder, any questions? You've given the impression that you don't know much about schizophrenia, otherwise you wouldn't be surprised.

Who said schizophrenia was the third most disabling condition? I can think of worse mental disorders, schizophrenia sucks because it has very little support, compared to autism - which has a huge array of support, including for aspergers syndrome.

This..is rarely true, give psychiatrists some credit, it's hard to mistake social anxiety for f**king insanity

oh sorry

I would ask you to give me a little credit here. It is certainly true for the German health system, where AS is rarely ever diagnosed in adults. It wasn't diagnosed at all back when I went into therapy for my social anxiety.

Many German psychiatrists still don't take AS serious and view it as a newfangled word for eccentricity. They will diagnose something (in a matter of minutes) that they can prescribe meds for, because that's all they do around here in terms of therapy.

PS: Schizophrenia is not "f**king insanity" any more than autism. But thanks a lot for basically calling me a f**king insane person, and the OP as well. That's very supportive and helpful for him.

I wasn't calling you insane. really. Serisouly. I thought what you said was insightful, that I may be misdiagnosed. But I dont think I am. I had a paranoid scene during my last visit to crisis center and on the way home yesterday. It is not fun. I hope this helps.

Don't worry I was replying to Phonic, who called schizophrenia "f**king insanity". My post wasn't directed at you.

If you have paranoid episodes, it would indeed suggest that you have a schizotypal disorder or schizophrenia. It could also be a sign of severe stress though. Paranoia is quite common in people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). And of course switching from one medication to another can have side effects. Many neuroleptics can cause a so-called withdrawal psychosis when you taper them off. I wonder, did you ever experience paranoid episodes before you took those meds?

yes

Ok, in that case you really need to take neuroleptics (disclaimer: I'm not a psychiatrist, so please take everything I post with a grain of salt and trust your doctor). But that's no reason to despair. It is only a matter of finding the right medication for you that will suppress these paranoid episodes. Once you are on meds that work for you, you can lead a relatively normal life and there is no reason why your condition should be disabling.

You seem to be feeling depressed though, judging from your first post. This is a common side effect of neuroleptics. By suppressing the so-called positive symptoms of schizophrenia (paranoia, hallucinations etc.), these meds increase the negative symptoms, which include depression. It is very important that you mention your depression to your psychiatrist. He will probably prescribe you antidepressants in addition to your current meds.