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Brenda Cook4 said:So, when you're riding that high—when you're feeling really elevated—what does that actually feel like for you? Is it possible to channel all that intense energy into something productive?
So, what exactly is the role of lithium in those kinds of situations?🙂
I mean, sure, I could always just lean into it, but suppressing it isn't exactly the answer either—honestly, I don't think anyone would agree that's a healthy way to go about things. Anyway, I'm heading down now.
How lithium works: we’re trying to approach the x-axis, but only in terms of height.
If you look at 45 degrees from the x-axis, you reach that same elevation (within a two-dimensional system)
which is the target achieved by using lithium carbonate—much like what you'd see produced by a major US pharmaceutical company like Pfizer.
It’s quite difficult to connect this third axis to a healthy dimension.
Brenda Cook4 said:Cula, I’ve heard about lithium—but could you explain how it actually works?
Don't let it get you down, please... life is what it is, and you are such an open, smart, and soulful person, you know!😘 You have the strength to push through all of this!
I totally get what you mean: imagine a sine wave swinging above and below the x-axis on a graph—that represents my mood and the affective side, while the x-axis itself represents the schizophrenia.
Makes perfect sense! 😍 😁 😁
Background: Schizoaffective disorder is a complex condition characterized by a blend of symptoms: specifically, elements of a thought disorder—like delusions or hallucinations—alongside components of a mood disorder, such as mania or depression. Because these two different clinical spectrums overlap, managing treatment for these individuals can be quite a unique challenge.
Schizoaffective disorder is identified based on the criteria found in the DSM-5 or through ICD-10 coding. Essentially, it sits at the intersection of schizophrenia (marked by distorted thinking and hallucinations) and various mood disorders.
Clinicians typically make this diagnosis when a patient presents features of both conditions but doesn't perfectly fit the strict definitions for schizophrenia or a mood disorder on its own. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to tell if someone is dealing with two distinct issues, a combination of the two, or a completely separate condition altogether. Since the diagnosis essentially bridges schizophrenia and mood disorders, pinpointing it requires precision. To reach an accurate diagnosis, a patient needs to meet the requirements for mania or major depressive disorder while simultaneously meeting the criteria for schizophrenia. Additionally, they must experience at least two weeks of psychosis that occurs independently of any mood episodes.
In men, schizoaffective disorder is sometimes associated with antisocial personality traits. The age of onset is later for women than for men, and the exact etiology and epidemiology is unclear because of limited research in this area. Generally speaking, the outlook for those with schizoaffective disorder is considered more positive than for those diagnosed solely with schizophrenia. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and talk therapy.
Pathophysiology: Although the exact etiology of schizoaffective disorder is unknown, researchers suggest it might involve imbalances in brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Other theories point toward potential factors like prenatal viral exposure, nutritional deficiencies, or complications during birth.
Frequency:
* In the US: It is estimated that the lifetime prevalence of schizoaffective disorder in the US is under 1%, likely falling between 0.5% and 0.8%. These numbers remain estimates since comprehensive large-scale studies are still needed.
* Internationally: Determining global prevalence is difficult because diagnostic standards have shifted recently, but estimates generally fall between 2% and 2.9%.
Mortality / Morbidity: When looking at the long-term outlook, patients with schizoaffective disorder often fall somewhere in the middle: the prognosis is typically better than for those with schizophrenia, but not quite as favorable as for those with a primary mood disorder.
* For instance, those with the bipolar subtype often see a prognosis similar to people with bipolar I, while those with the depressive subtype may face an outlook closer to those with schizophrenia. As you can imagine, predicting an individual outcome is quite complex.
* The suicide rate is estimated at approximately 10%, and this risk is predominantly seen in women.
* Certain factors can signal a more difficult path, such as a history of issues prior to the onset, a gradual beginning of symptoms, a lack of clear triggers, prominent psychotic or "negative" symptoms, an early start to the disorder, a continuous course of illness, or a family history of schizophrenia.
Race: There are no notable differences in diagnosis based on race.
Sex: This condition is more frequently diagnosed in women than in men. While men may show more antisocial tendencies, women often experience a later onset. Furthermore, the age of onset is later for women than for men, and the exact etiology and epidemiology is unclear because of limited research in this area.
Age: Generally speaking, younger individuals diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder often fall into the bipolar subtype, while those who are older are more likely to be categorized under the depressive subtype.
Schizophrenia (F20)
Schizotypal Disorder (F21)
Delusional Disorder (F22)
Brief Psychotic Disorder (F23)
Shared Psychotic Disorder (F24)
Schizoaffective Disorders (F25)
Other Specified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders (F28)
Unspecified Psychotic Disorders (F29)
Source: "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia,_schizotypal,_and_delusional_disorders_(F20-F29)"
Categories: Schizophrenia
Brenda Cook4 said:What exactly is an F-22? What does that mean, and is it just a different "diagnosis"
than what you were originally given?
Well, my diagnosis was updated back in 2000, right before I started seeing specialists in Los Angeles in 2001.
It’s essentially a combination of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar.
That’s why I’m on Lithium—have you heard of it?
I actually have a follow-up appointment at the clinic in Los Angeles tomorrow; I really can't keep managing this on my own.🙂 🙂 🙂
The doctor on call should be able to help.
I totally agree with you.
Even my cousin has a grandmother who was admitted to psychiatric facilities at least 15 times.
And yet, all her kids turned out perfectly fine—active, healthy, and completely normal—despite being born to someone struggling with mental health issues.
It’s wild, isn't it?
Could someone from the US, Canada, or anywhere else in the States reach out? I'm looking for anyone who has experience with the F-22, as I seem to have a mixed type.
-ana- said:Got it. 🙂
🙂 Everything is all set for everyone!
Alright crew, let's huddle up—we've got a new assignment on our hands.
Nicholas Peterson said:You've got a point, there's definitely one 😵
Even for me, just constant attention and flattery isn't always enough to get by.
Honestly, I can barely watch her.
I mean, I'm not some machine, even if people think I'm a bit eccentric!🤣 🙄
Bryan Booth73 said:Just keep smiling and they'll laugh along with you. If you cry, you're just crying by yourself.
The truth is, if you're crying on the inside, the rest of the world couldn't care less if you're wearing a smile or not.
😂 😂
I just headed into the kitchen, and instead of making my usual hearty comfort food, I ended up just grabbing some kale. I honestly can't quite explain why!
I could swear our brains run entirely on carbohydrates.
De Billek said:I'm not a vegetarian... I just know I'm being foolish.😉 😬
You see, once I finally admit when I'm wrong, so many things will start to fall into place.
For now, though, I'm mostly just avoiding people, Neo.
Come with us.
Honestly, just thinking about these pills makes me feel nauseous,
and I'm feeling just as sick over all these terrible actors claiming we're the same.
Everything would be fine if I could just be sure I won't end up weighing 300 pounds
and needing a crane just to get me out of my house.
The odds of me ever actually feeling healthy again?
They're about as likely as God standing right behind me.
And I dare you, mother fucker.😠 😬 😠 😲 😠 🙂 🙂
Dana Brooks75 said:I thought I’d share a bit of my own journey too...
At 21, I had brain surgery to remove a benign tumor that was causing the epilepsy I'd been dealing with since elementary school. While the seizures finally stopped after the procedure, they were replaced by a whole new set of challenges. Back when I was studying in Chicago, I managed to stay afloat by throwing myself into my coursework and seeing psychiatrists regularly, all without relying on heavy medication. However, once I moved back home, everything hit a breaking point. The anxiety and panic attacks were the hardest part to handle. My doctor even mentioned I was right on the edge of a borderline personality diagnosis.
I'm still taking an anti-epileptic, and for a few years now, I've also been on Prozac and 1mg of Risperdal. That Risperdal definitely keeps me feeling sleepy most of the time. As for how I'm doing lately, things have actually stabilized quite a bit. I've gained some work experience under my belt, and right now, I'm back out there looking for a job... though I haven't found a partner or a wife yet. 👎
I hope you don't mind me asking—can my ten years of living with schizophrenia be compared to what you've gone through?
🙂 thinking out loud🤮
So, I was just having this deep conversation with my last psychiatrist
and she tells me, "You know, you really do have everything."
It made me wonder about all the things I'm actually missing🤣
What can I even say? Sure, I've got a perfectly fine brain
but I'm a prisoner of my own devices
Sometimes, curiosity isn't exactly the best way to go
When it comes to debunking myths about what's actually causing our health issues, we could start looking at things like smoking, caffeine intake, overeating, excessive screen time, and so on.