Schizophrenia - General Discussion

I mean, they really could have handled things better. They basically just slapped a diagnosis of psychosis with hallucinations on me just to get me out of the hospital—even though what I was actually dealing with was delusion or delirium caused by the meds and my physical health. And then, last time, they jumped straight to schizophrenia. All because I told them I was checking into psych because of family drama and constant fighting at home.

Look, I’m not saying I don't have mental health struggles—I do—but I don't have hallucinations. Even if you want to call it schizophrenia, it’s some vague, non-specific version of it. Personally, I doubt I ever even had it; maybe it was just a milder form of autism mixed with bipolar disorder. Now, though? I’m starting to wonder if all this Risperdal and these other pills actually gave me schizophrenia in the first place.

I’ve also wondered if I might be intersex, or if I have MS. It’s possible regarding the intersex thing, but as for MS, I honestly don't know. I just know I don't feel physically right. And trust me, I'm not making this stuff up—it's not like I'd actually *want* to be sick or feeling this way.

I spend almost the entire day sleeping. My bones and joints are constantly cracking and aching, and there's a whole list of other issues... my liver took a hit, my vision is acting up—maybe it's just my prescription, floaters, or seeing spots—but it feels like I can see white blood cells floating in my field of vision.

My psychologist—who, frankly, is a bit of a hypochondriac herself—decided to pivot her "diagnosis" toward schizophrenia, and since I was totally zonked on all these pills at the time, I couldn't even hold a coherent conversation with her.

I'm not doing well, period. Believe me, if I could snap my fingers and be healthy, I would.

Maybe I'm getting a little too caught up in my own head here, but I just wanted to point out that doctors can absolutely misdiagnose someone with a mental illness when they are actually suffering from physical ailments. Physical sickness messes with your head, sure, but it doesn't mean you have everything they claim you have.

Patients just cycle through there like people on an assembly line, so I guess it’s no surprise things get botched.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:I can't speak to specific diagnostic codes, but you might be thinking of schizophrenia. In my case, I dealt with paralysis, muscle spasms, tremors, sleep issues, and trouble walking—it was all pretty chaotic. It looked like a mental health crisis to outsiders, but once the physical symptoms intensified, my doctors at the Mayo Clinic confirmed it wasn't psychiatric; it was strictly neurological.
Naturally, my first reaction was pure, unadulterated fury toward the mental health professionals involved. How could they make such a massive oversight? That kind of mistake is no small thing.

Look, I’m no doctor, but I definitely know there's a massive difference between neurological and psychiatric disorders. Honestly, the hospital in that city should probably just shut its doors down.

I mean, sure, it can be tricky to pin down exactly what someone is going through when they're in a psychotic state—you need long-term observation for that—but the distinction between a brain-based neurological issue and a mental health disorder is usually pretty clear. That's actually why psychiatry and neurology were split into separate fields in the first place.

The diagnoses follow the standard DSM classifications for consciousness and mental health disorders.

I’m telling you, it happens all the time—people get slapped with a mental health diagnosis just because they’re physically ill. It’s basically a byproduct of the system. You get these massive waves of patients coming through the doors, and the doctors simply don't have the bandwidth to actually sit down and listen to everyone individually. And honestly? There isn't much a patient can even do about it if they want to push back against a wrong diagnosis. Especially during those official rounds—that’s usually the only time you can even catch them, but by then, we're all basically sitting ducks.

Hey everyone, how’s it going?
Njusice, I really hope this diagnosis is the final word on the matter, because having that clarity is such a huge part of managing whatever illness you're facing.
For me personally, staying busy with physical work does wonders beyond just what medication can offer. Plus, it keeps me on my feet financially, bringing in over fifteen hundred dollars a month quite consistently. Honestly, life just feels a lot more stable and rewarding when you're working a real job rather than relying on government assistance.

Hey everyone.
I haven't been on this forum for long. I'm the mom of a guy diagnosed with G20. We've been through some pretty rough patches—more than him, obviously. It’s been a little over four years since he got sick. Two hospital stays, a suicide attempt... you name it. But, whatever, I shouldn't complain too much. Things seem to be looking up lately, I guess. The illness is mostly under control. He's doing okay, just doesn't really go out much. Mostly just hangs with close family, though he's actually planning on heading to college soon (the diagnosis hit right after he finished high school). Honestly, I just wanted to see what you guys think, since you're going through this too... Do you think it could come back? Not like it goes anywhere, but still. He's on meds and sticks to them strictly. I'm just wondering if he can actually do college and live a somewhat normal life ??? Or am I just being overly optimistic ???!!!

Yeah, there’s definitely hope. It really comes down to finding the right treatment plan and, more importantly, cutting down on whatever is triggering the whole mess in the first place. For me? It’s the constant stress and being broke.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:I can't speak to specific diagnostic codes, but you might be thinking of schizophrenia. In my case, I dealt with paralysis, muscle spasms, tremors, sleep issues, and trouble walking—it was all pretty chaotic. It looked like a mental health crisis to outsiders, but once the physical symptoms intensified, my doctors at the Mayo Clinic confirmed it wasn't psychiatric; it was strictly neurological.
Naturally, my first reaction was pure, unadulterated fury toward the mental health professionals involved. How could they make such a massive oversight? That kind of mistake is no small thing.

Sadly, it’s not an isolated incident. Neurological issues and psychiatric symptoms can be swapped out so easily. They could be mistaken for anything—kidney problems, heart stuff, MS, you name it.

Olivia Bishop8 said:Hey everyone.
I haven't been on this forum for long. I'm the mom of a guy diagnosed with G20. We've been through some pretty rough patches—more than him, obviously. It’s been a little over four years since he got sick. Two hospital stays, a suicide attempt... you name it. But, whatever, I shouldn't complain too much. Things seem to be looking up lately, I guess. The illness is mostly under control. He's doing okay, just doesn't really go out much. Mostly just hangs with close family, though he's actually planning on heading to college soon (the diagnosis hit right after he finished high school). Honestly, I just wanted to see what you guys think, since you're going through this too... Do you think it could come back? Not like it goes anywhere, but still. He's on meds and sticks to them strictly. I'm just wondering if he can actually do college and live a somewhat normal life ??? Or am I just being overly optimistic ???!!!

If the treatment hits the mark, it’s totally possible to function normally and even tackle college life.

Olivia Bishop8 said:Hey everyone.
I haven't been on this forum for long. I'm the mom of a guy diagnosed with G20. We've been through some pretty rough patches—more than him, obviously. It’s been a little over four years since he got sick. Two hospital stays, a suicide attempt... you name it. But, whatever, I shouldn't complain too much. Things seem to be looking up lately, I guess. The illness is mostly under control. He's doing okay, just doesn't really go out much. Mostly just hangs with close family, though he's actually planning on heading to college soon (the diagnosis hit right after he finished high school). Honestly, I just wanted to see what you guys think, since you're going through this too... Do you think it could come back? Not like it goes anywhere, but still. He's on meds and sticks to them strictly. I'm just wondering if he can actually do college and live a somewhat normal life ??? Or am I just being overly optimistic ???!!!

The key is getting back into social circles. A relapse is always a possibility, and other health issues can pop up too. It's totally normal to deal with anxiety after a diagnosis like this, but facing those fears head-on is really the only way to break out of that constant loop of worrying about the illness.

Brandon Newman95 said:Sadly, it’s not an isolated incident. Neurological issues and psychiatric symptoms can be swapped out so easily. They could be mistaken for anything—kidney problems, heart stuff, MS, you name it.

Not quite, though. Psychosis has such specific characteristics regarding consciousness and behavioral shifts that it stands apart.

Laura Castillo6 said:The key is getting back into social circles. A relapse is always a possibility, and other health issues can pop up too. It's totally normal to deal with anxiety after a diagnosis like this, but facing those fears head-on is really the only way to break out of that constant loop of worrying about the illness.

Not quite, though. Psychosis has such specific characteristics regarding consciousness and behavioral shifts that it stands apart.

Yes, you can. For anxiety or depression? Sure. But as you can see from my own posts, I can handle things like schizophrenia too. Some random person on a forum tells you what to do, but look at my history—my heart skips beats and everything.

Honestly, I think we’re looking at some pretty inexperienced psychiatrists here who are totally misdiagnosing G20.

Brandon Newman95 said:Yes, you can. For anxiety or depression? Sure. But as you can see from my own posts, I can handle things like schizophrenia too. Some random person on a forum tells you what to do, but look at my history—my heart skips beats and everything.

Jack Rose. What happened with your heart? I’m dealing with some minor issues myself—tachycardia whenever I push myself physically. I actually started taking Concor about three weeks ago. I can manage push-ups now, but honestly, I’m still a little terrified to head to the local YMCA pool. I genuinely thought I was going to die. It felt that intense. I haven't done a stress test yet, but my cardiologist basically told me I just have a "lively" heart. Everything else looks fine. My ultrasound came back normal. Were the problems you faced purely psychological, or were they physical? That’s how I interpreted mine. Or, if you don't feel like typing it all out again, maybe you could point me toward those specific posts of yours? I also had my thyroid levels checked, and everything is steady. I'm heading in for a thyroid ultrasound next month. My doctor suggested maybe my medication dosage is too low, but I keep telling him, this only happens when I'm exerting myself. It doesn't happen while I'm resting. So, what does a weak dosage have to do with anything? This started back when I was six months into treatment, and I haven't even started tapering down until month ten.

Laura Castillo6 said:Honestly, I think we’re looking at some pretty inexperienced psychiatrists here who are totally misdiagnosing G20.

John, don't act like you've got it all figured out. You really don't know what you're talking about, and you clearly lack the actual experience to back this up.

Jose Ward4 said:Jack Rose. What happened with your heart? I’m dealing with some minor issues myself—tachycardia whenever I push myself physically. I actually started taking Concor about three weeks ago. I can manage push-ups now, but honestly, I’m still a little terrified to head to the local YMCA pool. I genuinely thought I was going to die. It felt that intense. I haven't done a stress test yet, but my cardiologist basically told me I just have a "lively" heart. Everything else looks fine. My ultrasound came back normal. Were the problems you faced purely psychological, or were they physical? That’s how I interpreted mine. Or, if you don't feel like typing it all out again, maybe you could point me toward those specific posts of yours? I also had my thyroid levels checked, and everything is steady. I'm heading in for a thyroid ultrasound next month. My doctor suggested maybe my medication dosage is too low, but I keep telling him, this only happens when I'm exerting myself. It doesn't happen while I'm resting. So, what does a weak dosage have to do with anything? This started back when I was six months into treatment, and I haven't even started tapering down until month ten.

Just go look at my old posts about heart palpitations. I’ve got heart valve surgery coming up in the future. After years of battling anxiety and depression, it all finally caught up to me. Long story short: constant coughing, getting winded, feeling like I couldn't breathe... turns out, I was born with a heart defect.

Brandon Newman95 said:Just go look at my old posts about heart palpitations. I’ve got heart valve surgery coming up in the future. After years of battling anxiety and depression, it all finally caught up to me. Long story short: constant coughing, getting winded, feeling like I couldn't breathe... turns out, I was born with a heart defect.

Do you have a link to those specific posts? Sorry for bugging you, I just can't seem to track down where you wrote that. Honestly, I think your brother might have a congenital issue too. My brother had a hole in his heart that they didn't even catch until he hit 45. He didn't have any symptoms before that; he was actually quite athletic. It wasn't until he started feeling wiped out in his mid-forties that they found it. Long story short, his lungs and heart just gave out. Two years ago, he actually had to undergo a transplant for both lungs plus a cardiac repair. He's on anti-rejection meds now, but he's doing well. Everything is working normally. I don't want to scare you, I just wanted you to know there are others out there dealing with this, just like my brother. Hang in there. Things have to get better. They have to—for all of us. Oh, by the way, he had his surgery done in Vienna.

Jose Ward4 said:Do you have a link to those specific posts? Sorry for bugging you, I just can't seem to track down where you wrote that. Honestly, I think your brother might have a congenital issue too. My brother had a hole in his heart that they didn't even catch until he hit 45. He didn't have any symptoms before that; he was actually quite athletic. It wasn't until he started feeling wiped out in his mid-forties that they found it. Long story short, his lungs and heart just gave out. Two years ago, he actually had to undergo a transplant for both lungs plus a cardiac repair. He's on anti-rejection meds now, but he's doing well. Everything is working normally. I don't want to scare you, I just wanted you to know there are others out there dealing with this, just like my brother. Hang in there. Things have to get better. They have to—for all of us. Oh, by the way, he had his surgery done in Vienna.

Bottom line: stay healthy, watch your heart.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my post. Seems like we’re all on the same page—if the doctor nails down the right therapy, things might actually look up. He did mention he’s pretty happy with how things are progressing so far. Yeah, some anxiety came up. The kid is basically terrified of everything! I just hope things turn out okay for my little one, and for all of you dealing with this nightmare of a disease too.

Olivia Bishop8 said:Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my post. Seems like we’re all on the same page—if the doctor nails down the right therapy, things might actually look up. He did mention he’s pretty happy with how things are progressing so far. Yeah, some anxiety came up. The kid is basically terrified of everything! I just hope things turn out okay for my little one, and for all of you dealing with this nightmare of a disease too.

Seriously, try combining a psychiatrist with medication and maybe some help from a psychologist.

Jose Ward4 said:John, don't act like you've got it all figured out. You really don't know what you're talking about, and you clearly lack the actual experience to back this up.

Oh, sure... because heart palpitations are totally a classic symptom of schizophrenia and show up perfectly on an ECG, right? 🙏

Olivia Bishop8 said:Hey everyone.
I haven't been on this forum for long. I'm the mom of a guy diagnosed with G20. We've been through some pretty rough patches—more than him, obviously. It’s been a little over four years since he got sick. Two hospital stays, a suicide attempt... you name it. But, whatever, I shouldn't complain too much. Things seem to be looking up lately, I guess. The illness is mostly under control. He's doing okay, just doesn't really go out much. Mostly just hangs with close family, though he's actually planning on heading to college soon (the diagnosis hit right after he finished high school). Honestly, I just wanted to see what you guys think, since you're going through this too... Do you think it could come back? Not like it goes anywhere, but still. He's on meds and sticks to them strictly. I'm just wondering if he can actually do college and live a somewhat normal life ??? Or am I just being overly optimistic ???!!!

Let me give you my honest perspective based on my own lived experience. Things can be good—actually, very good—but it won't be exactly the same as living without the diagnosis. There are two main reasons for that: first, the medications required for lifelong management come with their own set of side effects, and second, despite the medication, the illness can resurface, and quite likely it will. I have been dealing with schizophrenia for about ten years now; I work a physical job, but I never actually finished my degree, even though I was officially enrolled in university for ten years. He can certainly try college, but with this diagnosis, it is going to be a massive uphill battle, especially since a career following a degree often carries even more psychological stress than the studies themselves. Generally speaking, even if we set aside the constant stigma that follows anyone with a mental health condition, it is difficult to live a life that is indistinguishable from someone who is neurotypical.

On a brighter note, there is one silver lining to this heavy burden: sometimes, when a person experiences mild psychosis, they possess a level of creativity that exceeds that of a healthy person. I was recently watching a documentary about someone advocating for microdosing LSD to boost mood and creative output. From what I gathered, people with schizophrenia don't necessarily need that, because a person in a psychotic state can exhibit similar symptoms to someone on a low dose of LSD.