Schizophrenia????!

[allisontedford]

Hey you guys. This is Allison! I'm so scared. I think I mighthave a bit of schizophrenia. I think weird thoughts all the time. Things I KNOW aren't true. Its hard to explain. I went on to a site that explained schizophrenia symptoms and so I'll show you what I think is happening to me:

1. Delusions - false beliefs strongly held in spite of invalidating evidence, especially as a symptom of mental illness: for example,
2. Paranoid delusions, or delusions of persecution, for example believing that people are "out to get" you, or the thought that people are doing things when there is no external evidence that such things are taking place.
3. Delusions of reference - when things in the environment seem to be directly related to you even though they are not. For example it may seem as if people are talking about you or special personal messages are being communicated to you through the TV, radio, or other media.
4. Somatic Delusions are false beliefs about your body - for example that a terrible physical illness exists or that something foreign is inside or passing through your body.
5. Delusions of grandeur - for example when you believe that you are very special or have special powers or abilities. An example of a grandiouse delusion is thinking you are a famous rock star.

I think all these thoughts all the time! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help Im so scared. I never ever thought this would happen to me. I feel as if I'm crazy... I'm just so scared. How can I tell my parents. Like sometimes I feel as If I don't do something, I'll go to hell, or I'll have a low self esteem again... I don't know what to do! My thoughts are taking over my life!

[Dr.Bobby]

Allsion, never, ever try to self diagnose! The internet is useful for many things, this isn't one of them.

Typically, if you think you're schizophrenic, you're not. That's because part of schizophrenia is a distortion of reality testing that makes it almost impossible to self judge accurately. Then, there's family history. Schizophrenia runs in families, it's genetic. So, unless there's a blood relative with it, the chances are slim that you've got it.

However, that said, you might be experiencing something, you sound upset and distressed. So, it might be a good idea to talk this out with someone, get some reassurance, and address whatever it is that's causing these issues.

[Thirteen]

One of the biggest symptoms of Schizophrenia that you did NOT list is "Hallucinations". Sure, it's not the only symptom, and it doesn't have to be constant, but it's an important symptom to acknowledge (diagnostically and treatment-wise).

Delusions can be caused by a variety of mental illnesses. Though, some of these delusions you're worried about (i.e. the idea of people possibly "being out to get you") could just be your teenage ideas. Honestly, most teenagers feel as if at least SOME people are out to get them, even if they're not (like teachers, other students, etc.), but I think that's more because of the puberty (and sometimes the rebellious attitudes).

Obviously, you're concerned about something being wrong. I'm telling you right now, you probably don't have Schizophrenia. It seems VERY unlikely. However, there is something bothering you, so have you considered seeing a counselor, or a therapist? Having somebody to talk to about these feelings could prove beneficial.

[viemexis]

I'm not an expert, but my sister is schizophrenic (well, schizo-affective disorder, which includes symptoms of bipolar). If there's one thing I've learned it's that schizophrenia is a varied and complex term that involves a wide variety of symptoms related to distorted reality. But many of those symptoms, individually, can be caused by other things. Honestly, most of what you've said so far sounds like fairly typical teen issues you will work out in time.

While the things you listed are experienced by many schizophrenic people, the fact that you experience those thoughts does not make you schizophrenic. Being diagnosed is a far more rigorous process than reading a random list on the internet. The "real" criteria is laid out more carefully in a book called the DSM-IV, but I hesitate to mention that because you're going to want to run out and read it and self-diagnose. Don't. That's a job for a professional, so do yourself a favor and stop freaking out prematurely.

I suggest at least trying out counseling (which is probably good for most people anyway, at some point) and simply describing your issues to a professional. In the mean time, try and relax, talk to trusted friends and adults who can help you make sense of things. Restrain the impulse to nervously Google mental illnesses. If you're that worried about it, consult a pro.

[allisontedford]

Thanks. I talked to my mom about it yesterday. And she told me that I'm just very imaginative. And that if I ever had schizophrenia, I would have been with a phychologist right now. I just thought it was weird because when I was little, I would think the TV was like, trying to tell me something. Or I thought I could transfer messages to other peoples minds. But, thanks for the information. -sighs of relief- I think its just my over active imagination (: