Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Anna, I’m sharing some information regarding AvPD because it shares significant overlap with Social Anxiety Disorder. Since you didn't mention your tendency to retreat into a Fantasy World, your psychiatrist likely diagnosed you with Social Anxiety Disorder based solely on what you disclosed. While those two conditions share many symptoms, you'll notice that retreating into a Fantasy World is actually a specific symptom of AvPD. I'm not sure how comfortable you are with English, but try reading this to see if it resonates with your experience.

Avoidant personality disorder (sometimes abbreviated APD or AvPD), or anxious personality disorder, is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation and avoiding social interaction. People with avoidant personality disorder often consider themselves to be socially inept or personally unappealing, and avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, or disliked. They typically present themselves as loners and report feeling a sense of alienation from society.

People with avoidant personality disorder are preoccupied with their own shortcomings and form relationships with others only if they believe they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are so painful that these individuals will choose to be lonely rather than risk trying to connect with others.
· Hypersensitivity to criticism or rejection
· Social Anxiety Disorder
· Extreme shyness in social situations, though feels a strong desire for close relationships
· Avoid interpersonal relationships
· Feelings of inadequacy
· Low self-esteem
· Mistrust of others
· Extreme shyness/timidness
· Emotional distancing related to intimacy
· Highly self-conscious
· Self-critical about their problems relating to others
· Problems in occupational functioning
· Lonely self-perception
· Feeling inferior to others
· Chronic substance abuse/dependence[3]
· CREATION OF A FANTASY WORLD

Try searching for more information online; it might provide some clarity.

Taylor Hall2 said:Look at this:

After searching online, I found out I have schizoaffective disorder.
Now, my psychiatrist’s latest theory is that I actually have bipolar disorder—though, to be fair, I can't deny the manic episodes, even if I rarely experience true clinical depression. So, essentially, it's just unipolar mania.
He started me on Lithium, but the blood concentration levels are too high, so he'll have to switch my medication soon.

To be perfectly honest, I couldn't care less whether I'm schizo, manic, or both.
And frankly, I am completely fed up with all these DSM codes.

My doctor hasn't given me an official new diagnosis yet. He just mentioned some bipolar symptoms that would bump me up from the standard schizophrenia category, but he didn't say anything about schizoaffective—that's just what it made me think of.

Other conditions in which affective symptoms are superimposed on a pre-existing schizophrenic illness, or co-exist or alternate with persistent delusional disorders of other kinds, are classified under G20-G29

So if it says "classified under G20-G29," I guess I'd just stay under the old classification. Look, I'm not going to spend my life studying this crap. Like I said, I don't care what my code is, I just want the treatment to actually work.

Holstain, did you experience social phobia first and then develop psychosis?
I've honestly never heard of anyone dealing with both. Are you still struggling with SF?

vividskipper15 said:Holstain, did you experience social phobia first and then develop psychosis?
I've honestly never heard of anyone dealing with both. Are you still struggling with SF?

Look, I don't know if what I had fits the textbook definition of social phobia, but talking to guys at the National Alliance on Mental Illness who deal with psychosis or schizophrenia, they all say the same thing: it’s pretty common for things to start spiraling well before the actual psychosis hits. Usually happens during puberty. In plain English? One of the biggest red flags is just totally withdrawing from everyone.
Maybe I used the wrong term when I said "social phobia," but let's be real—it was definitely a phobia of people and society.

And no, it was never officially diagnosed, and yeah, I'm still working on my reintegration.

Can I ask one more thing?
When you felt intimidated by people or society, was it because you were afraid of being embarrassed—specifically regarding how others would react to the subject matter (which is a classic trope in sci-fi)—or was it driven by something else entirely?

vividskipper15 said:Can I ask one more thing?
When you felt intimidated by people or society, was it because you were afraid of being embarrassed—specifically regarding how others would react to the subject matter (which is a classic trope in sci-fi)—or was it driven by something else entirely?

First off, it was mostly just this overwhelming feeling of being inferior.

stormylynx23 said:was primarily a matter of social withdrawal.

I get what you're saying—I really do—but I just wanted to point out that being an introvert is perfectly normal. Roughly half the population leans toward introversion, while the other half is more extroverted, more or less. As people mature, they often reach a point where they can lean into either side depending on the situation or their own preference. Neither trait is inherently "bad"; in fact, for someone seeking true balance, having the capacity to navigate both worlds is actually quite beneficial. That said, it’s also completely fine if someone naturally stays more on one end of the spectrum. We shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking everyone needs to be a constant social butterfly or the loudest person in the room. People should just be themselves—authentic, honest about who they are, and free from those kinds of expectations.

Taylor Campbell4 said:I get what you're saying—I really do—but I just wanted to point out that being an introvert is perfectly normal. Roughly half the population leans toward introversion, while the other half is more extroverted, more or less. As people mature, they often reach a point where they can lean into either side depending on the situation or their own preference. Neither trait is inherently "bad"; in fact, for someone seeking true balance, having the capacity to navigate both worlds is actually quite beneficial. That said, it’s also completely fine if someone naturally stays more on one end of the spectrum. We shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking everyone needs to be a constant social butterfly or the loudest person in the room. People should just be themselves—authentic, honest about who they are, and free from those kinds of expectations.

It just went to the absolute extreme with me. Like, starting in middle school, I suddenly stopped hanging out with anyone, and I didn't have a single friend through most of high school. I wouldn't talk. Answering questions verbally in class was straight-up hell. I never started a conversation; I tried to squeeze every interaction down to a "yeah," "no," or "maybe." Writing was also a nightmare, especially in my American English classes. And then there's the whole thing Dubravka will probably enjoy; I was toneless. Even though I started growing hair in middle school, my voice didn't really drop until right before graduation. Until then, I sounded like a little girl. Once it finally cracked, the big joke in class was how I'd flip-flop between a man's voice and a girl's voice, and everyone would just lose it laughing. Well, I guess the same thing is happening here.

vividskipper15 said:Can I ask one more thing?
When you felt intimidated by people or society, was it because you were afraid of being embarrassed—specifically regarding how others would react to the subject matter (which is a classic trope in sci-fi)—or was it driven by something else entirely?

Yeah, that’s part of it.

vividskipper15 said:Can I ask one more thing?
When you felt intimidated by people or society, was it because you were afraid of being embarrassed—specifically regarding how others would react to the subject matter (which is a classic trope in sci-fi)—or was it driven by something else entirely?

No. I wouldn't even get close enough to talk about a topic.

I was chatting with someone yesterday who’s dealing with a much more severe case of schizophrenia than most, and I offered him this little bit of optimism—telling him that in a few decades, scientists will finally crack the code and find a cure for it. He just looked at me and said, "A disease? Please. Schizophrenics are some of the most wonderful people you'll ever meet."

That was my mistake—I thought you were worried about what everyone else would think of you.
That’s basically the defining trait of Silicon Valley!
I know I’m being a nuisance, but they really didn't teach us much at university. For instance, I had no idea that social phobia (which falls under neuroses) could actually escalate into psychosis.
Best,

thanks for the info, thegirl. I’ve actually done my own reading on avoidant personality disorder—and several others under the personality disorder umbrella that feel uncomfortably familiar, like histrionic, schizotypal, and schizoid disorders. A psychologist I spoke with briefly described it as this secondary layer of discomfort when you're around people close to you... just a constant urge to withdraw and alienate yourself from every social connection.
The thing is, I don't have much faith in my current psychiatrist. Here in the States—well, where I've been living—psychiatrists can be incredibly narrow-minded with their diagnoses. It makes me hesitant to really open up... maybe if I could just find someone who actually knows what they're doing.
As for social phobia, Holstein hit the nail on the head. It’s that crushing sense of inadequacy that triggers panic attacks. When those hits me, I lose my grip entirely—I get disoriented, lose my sense of place, and even start experiencing hallucinations... seeing black spots or spirals. My doctor just hands out sedatives, which basically just allow me to pretend I'm fine. But once I'm home, I'm right back to retreating into movies and isolation... All these symptoms combined make me feel like I'm going to snap. That's why I joined this thread. I'm no expert, but I can't help wondering if all these disorders could eventually lead to schizophrenia. I hope I'm wrong—even Holstein's comments left me feeling pretty spooked about that possibility. But there isn't much I can do... I think a truly skilled psychiatrist could help, but finding one like that here feels impossible.

Alex Sullivan5 said:thanks for the info, thegirl. I’ve actually done my own reading on avoidant personality disorder—and several others under the personality disorder umbrella that feel uncomfortably familiar, like histrionic, schizotypal, and schizoid disorders. A psychologist I spoke with briefly described it as this secondary layer of discomfort when you're around people close to you... just a constant urge to withdraw and alienate yourself from every social connection.
The thing is, I don't have much faith in my current psychiatrist. Here in the States—well, where I've been living—psychiatrists can be incredibly narrow-minded with their diagnoses. It makes me hesitant to really open up... maybe if I could just find someone who actually knows what they're doing.
As for social phobia, Holstein hit the nail on the head. It’s that crushing sense of inadequacy that triggers panic attacks. When those hits me, I lose my grip entirely—I get disoriented, lose my sense of place, and even start experiencing hallucinations... seeing black spots or spirals. My doctor just hands out sedatives, which basically just allow me to pretend I'm fine. But once I'm home, I'm right back to retreating into movies and isolation... All these symptoms combined make me feel like I'm going to snap. That's why I joined this thread. I'm no expert, but I can't help wondering if all these disorders could eventually lead to schizophrenia. I hope I'm wrong—even Holstein's comments left me feeling pretty spooked about that possibility. But there isn't much I can do... I think a truly skilled psychiatrist could help, but finding one like that here feels impossible.

Me? I never had panic attacks. On the flip side, I graduated high school back in '97 and didn't see my first psychiatrist until '03, when I was practically forced into a mental ward. So yeah, I didn't deal with any of this for like ten years straight! Probably why everything ended up the way it did. Since you're actually seeing someone, I doubt you need to worry quite as much.

vividskipper15 said:That was my mistake—I thought you were worried about what everyone else would think of you.
That’s basically the defining trait of Silicon Valley!
I know I’m being a nuisance, but they really didn't teach us much at university. For instance, I had no idea that social phobia (which falls under neuroses) could actually escalate into psychosis.
Best,

Yeah, I definitely worried about what people would say—or rather, what they’d think of me. Honestly, it still trips me up sometimes. But that was like a decade ago. My main takeaway from that time is just feeling totally inferior to everyone else my age. And then you get that whole escape into your own head, where you feel way more capable than you actually are in the real world. Someone once told me that an inferiority complex and a superiority complex are just two sides of the same coin—one acts as a defense mechanism for the other. Like they come as a package deal. As I mentioned before, I never actually sought help. No therapists, no psychiatrists, nothing. It never even crossed my mind. I genuinely thought my state of mind was perfectly fine, totally normal. I guess I just didn't have any "insight" into how messed up things actually were. So, I don't know... if you aren't even aware you're screwed, does it still count as a neurosis?

stormylynx23 said:Yeah, I definitely worried about what people would say—or rather, what they’d think of me. Honestly, it still trips me up sometimes. But that was like a decade ago. My main takeaway from that time is just feeling totally inferior to everyone else my age. And then you get that whole escape into your own head, where you feel way more capable than you actually are in the real world. Someone once told me that an inferiority complex and a superiority complex are just two sides of the same coin—one acts as a defense mechanism for the other. Like they come as a package deal. As I mentioned before, I never actually sought help. No therapists, no psychiatrists, nothing. It never even crossed my mind. I genuinely thought my state of mind was perfectly fine, totally normal. I guess I just didn't have any "insight" into how messed up things actually were. So, I don't know... if you aren't even aware you're screwed, does it still count as a neurosis?

I find myself facing a real barrier because of this dynamic of perceived value—I am perfectly fine socializing with people who can hear absolutely anything I have to say without judgment.
At the same time, I struggle to connect with those who assume they are inherently more intelligent simply because I live with schizophrenia.
Consequently, my ability to communicate—and by extension, the circle of people I truly associate with—is somewhat limited.
Furthermore, there are individuals who might otherwise be willing to reach out, yet they remain paralyzed by their own internal complexes.

It seems people are talking about losing a parent during childhood.
My mother passed away when I was seven.
It wasn't particularly difficult for me.
It doesn't feel that way today, either.
I don't really feel like there's a void left behind.
When I do cry, I suppose it's just a chemical imbalance or some medication not quite hitting the mark.

stormylynx23, I’d argue that what you're describing was pure neurosis. Creating an imaginary sense of superiority is a classic defense mechanism when someone feels fundamentally inadequate. The problem is, when you're just a kid, nobody sits you down and explains that your perception isn't the absolute truth—or that your mindset can actually be changed. Without that realization, you never even consider the possibility of growth. This feeling likely traces back to your childhood because, to you, it felt like reality; it wasn't a sudden loss of confidence, but rather a baseline state you were stuck in. I don't know if I'm overstepping here, so correct me if I'm wrong.

vividskipper15 said:stormylynx23, I’d argue that what you're describing was pure neurosis. Creating an imaginary sense of superiority is a classic defense mechanism when someone feels fundamentally inadequate. The problem is, when you're just a kid, nobody sits you down and explains that your perception isn't the absolute truth—or that your mindset can actually be changed. Without that realization, you never even consider the possibility of growth. This feeling likely traces back to your childhood because, to you, it felt like reality; it wasn't a sudden loss of confidence, but rather a baseline state you were stuck in. I don't know if I'm overstepping here, so correct me if I'm wrong.

Yeah, it's kind of like that. And once puberty hit, things just spiraled out of control. As for whether it was neurosis or not... honestly, who knows.

How are things, stormylynx23?

Paul Jones4 said:How are things, stormylynx23?

Doing alright, just grinding through work. You?
My psychiatrist tells me my lithium levels at 0.72 mmol/L are totally fine, but then I look at the lab results from those blood-sucking vultures at the clinic, and they say anything over 0.5 mmol/L is out of range.
The real kicker is that I waited over a month and a half to get my blood drawn when I should've gone after a week. Screw kidney issues—I’ve got two of them, so if one gives out, I’ve always got a backup. Hell, maybe I could even "borrow" one from my brother. I'm sure someone on this forum would be interested in a deal...