Having schizophrenia

[lonely9]

How do you know if you have schizophrenia?

[lonely9]

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia by a psychiatrist, but a psychologist has said she doesn't think I have schizophrenia, hence why I am confused.

[Ballerina123]

It's usually what the psychiatrist says that counts but what is the reason your therapist thinks you don't have it?

[lonely9]

I have no idea. I think she feels no one has any mental illnesses, rather everyone is on a spectrum. Also the fact I've not been completely healed despite taking medication. Is it true if meds don't cure you then you must not have schizophrenia?

[tamobhuuta]

there's such a thing as treatment resistant schizophrenia (although someone labelled treatment resistant can eventually be treated!)

[Cacoethes]

It's of some people's opinion that I was cured of treatment resistant schizophrenia!

[Aubergine]

I have schizoaffective disorder, which for me is kind of a combination of schizophrenia and depression. I'm not cured by medication. I still experience things that other people don't, that I'm told are connected with the diagnosis. Medication does make my life much more manageable though - I can think clearly, sleep, am less easily distracted, don't experience any depression etc.


I've never been told that I don't have the illness because I'm not 100% cured. In fact, I've been told that medication rarely completely puts things into remission and that residual symptoms are quite common.

[Steel Maiden]

I used to be severely psychotic. But over three years since my last admission now and I just have voices and some mild paranoia.

Some people do say schizophrenia is on a spectrum. I've heard of a term "schizophrenia spectrum disorder". I would agree that there is a spectrum but there is also a difference between "variation of normal" and clinical mental illness.