question!

[xthexasylumxchildx]

i know this may sound stupid but i was wondering if you have schizophrenia can you realize this before a doctor can diagnose you?

i am starting to believe i may have this or something similar
maybe i am just making myself believe this

or maybe i am right
i really don't think that i only suffer from manic depression

because if i do. can that cause hallucinations?
cause you to see things that are there for a minute and then leave?

[bleeding black]

hey,
Sorry you are having these experiences, are you on medication to help control the symptoms?

It's really important that you don't try and diagnose yourself - do you have a psychiatrist or someone you can talk with about your concerns?
No one here has the ability to diagnose you, we can only share our experiences, support and encourage you to seek professional help.
Hope you are ok,

[Diamonds.]

I've been told schizophrenia can take years to diagnose because its too complex.
If you are hearing things or seeing things, you should go to the doctors.
I hear things and sometimes see things.
x

[Bear]

I have schizophrenia and it took over six years for them to diagnose it. But bipolar can cause hallucinations and things so if you say you have this, it may be part of your condition. The best thing to do would be to speak to your doctor because they will know you better and be able to put your mind at rest. At the end of the day its only a name and having your condition called something different wont make any difference to what your experiancing, its your treatment that counts. Anti psychotic medication can help with things like this and theyre often used to treat bipolar too. Take care x

[whirlpools]

I agree with everyone who says see your doctor, because lots of illnesses can look similar and it'd be best for the doctor to ask the relevant questions and figure out what's going on for you. But people who are Bipolar can often have a psychotic element to the illness and can hallucinate. In fact, going a bit off-topic here, non-psychotic people can hallucinate at times and it can be normal (there are hallucinations that begin right before going to sleep or upon waking up that are deemed normal). I personally think people can realise they're schizophrenic on their own, based on the fact that schizophrenia does not always mean "acutely psychotic and out of touch with reality" all the time. There may well be periods of insight and awareness.

But yes. I've rambled. See your doctor :)

[I.Heart.And]

You can have psychosis and symptoms of psychosis within manic depression without it being a whole separate diagnosis of schizophrenia.

[xthexasylumxchildx]

thank you for your advice.. i guess i'll ask my therapist next time i see him
xxxx

[Katiee]

Hmm, I'm not sure hun. I think you should see your doctor. *hugs* xo.