Schizophrenia - General Discussion

mistyranger42 said:Bog Dassder, I actually started a thread a while back about auditory hallucinations because, unfortunately, they're something I struggle with. Maybe you saw it when it was up, but you never really got a chance to reply. I tried to explain what it feels like, which medications I've used to try and manage it, and even some of the goals I've managed to hit despite everything. I’d honestly love it if you could share a post about your own experiences with hallucinations, maybe so we can compare notes—either here or on "my" thread.
If it's too much to talk about, please don't worry, I totally get it and won't hold it against you. 🙂
I reached out to Dasder since his post was the last one, but it would mean so much if anyone else diagnosed with schizophrenia would reach out.

Thanks so much in advance. 🙂

Look, I know dealing with auditory hallucinations and a mind that wanders isn't easy. For now, I've got them under control by sticking to my prescribed meds. Since getting out of the hospital at St. John, I haven't had any hallucinations—honestly, ☕I haven't even noticed things getting worse. It's not a nightmare anymore; in fact, I'm feeling better and better! Most of these are just psychoses involving hallucinations, whereas SIZA is something else entirely. Usually, these psychoses involve voices talking to you or giving orders like "do this" or "do that"—it’s almost like being brainwashed by those psychotic episodes.

Joshua Lewis9 I guess... maybe just a thought.
I know, it’s really tough dealing with auditory hallucinations and when your mind starts playing tricks on you. I guess I’ve been doing okay keeping things under control lately, though. I'm sticking to my meds, and honestly, ever since I got home from St. Jude’s, the hallucinations have finally stopped. Actually, they haven't come back at all.☕I haven't really noticed things getting any worse... honestly, the situation feels pretty terrible. But actually, I think I'm doing better and better. I guess those things were just psychoses involving hallucinations, while shadow stuff is something else entirely. Mostly, it's just psychoses where there's some kind of conversation or a command telling you to do this or that. Or, I don't know, how should I even put this? It’s more like brainwashing when it comes to those psychoses.

I've actually never been hospitalized before. I honestly thought they were going to admit me when I first reached out to my psychiatrist, but they didn't. It’s not like I have schizophrenia or anything... the toughest thing I've dealt with was an acute psychosis diagnosis, I guess.
I guess I’m starting to "hear" this voice now... but there's no actual substance to it. Before, I used to hear full conversations, like people talking about me or making comments, you know? Right now, the only thing I'm taking is my medication.
Lexapro... I guess. I tried antipsychotics before, but they didn't really do much for the hallucinations. Not at all.
I don't really have those mental lapses or anything... I've never even heard of being told what to do, but I guess it just feels like a huge strain to deal with actual worries and put up with all this. It honestly scares me, because I feel like I'm starting to struggle more just to function and get my life organized.
I don't know, I just feel like I'm barely scraping by lately, both personally and at work. Like I'm constantly squeezing through this tiny needle's eye, you know? I guess I’m just worried that one day it’s all going to fall apart... and then I won't even be able to force myself to do half of what I'm managing to pull off right now.
I guess I don't know if it even matters that I'm 32.
I guess the hallucinations started showing up maybe five years ago.

Paul Morales6 said:Alright, I’m finally stepping into the ring. It took me a hell of a long time to scrape together enough courage and positive energy just to join this conversation. Honestly, I have no idea how the rest of you lunatics on this forum manage to talk about this stuff so openly and extensively; for me, communicating with the outside world is a massive, uphill struggle in my day-to-day life. I was officially diagnosed with schizophrenia three years ago. I spent some time checked into a psychiatric ward in Seattle, and I see my specialists regularly—my psychiatrist, Vlasta Rudan (may she rest in peace), and my psychopharmacologist. I’m currently on five different medications, with Haldol serving as my primary antipsychotic. When I was younger, my hallucinations were much more vivid and, frankly, more creative. Now that I’m under strict therapy, it’s mostly auditory hallucinations, conspiracy theories, and "signs" from the other side. I truly believe it's true that we possess more acute senses—that we feel everything, from love and hate to happiness and sorrow, with much greater intensity. Actually, I'm starting to feel a bit of panic rising, so I’m signing off for now. I might post again down the road, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

—Come on, Paul Morales6, buddy. Was it any easier opening up like this online, even if you're shy?... I get it. I've had a few run-ins with cases similar to yours. I cover a massive spectrum of psychopathology myself, just without the schizophrenia.
—Hey Paul Morales6, if you don't mind me asking, when did you start cutting? Why did you do it? Did it actually feel like relief in the moment?... Was the mental pain just so intense you had to "overpower" it with physical pain? ...You aren't alone. I know plenty of people, including groups from all sorts of movements, who did the exact same thing.

God, guys,
what really gets to me is how everything I find online about schizophrenia always points back to one thing: if you’re having hallucinations where you hear people talking about you, they just label it schizophrenia right away. They list all these symptoms, blah blah blah, but if you have that specific one, they say, "Yep, it's schizophrenia."
Right now, I'm not actually hearing full conversations, but I used to—now it's just... sounds, I guess.
Another thing that's weighing on me is that I'm way too focused on myself. I think I'm OVERTHINKING EVERYTHING AND NOT DOING ENOUGH, so I'm scared things won't turn out okay...
It's just so hard to motivate myself to take on work. Usually, once I'm actually working, I don't feel this way, but MAN, IT'S SO HARD TO JUST GET STARTED.

Auditory hallucinations aren't just random noise; they’re more like direct commands or feeling like you've been tapped into someone else's phone call. You'll hear stuff about tomato prices spiking or people complaining about hip pain—basically, all the mindless nonsense you really don't want to be reading into. As for my meds, I'm currently on Haldol, Nozinan, Klonopin, Akinetical, and Lorazepam. And regarding self-harm? It's exactly like you said: the physical pain actually provides a sort of relief from the mental agony.

Paul Morales6 said:Auditory hallucinations aren't just random noise; they’re more like direct commands or feeling like you've been tapped into someone else's phone call. You'll hear stuff about tomato prices spiking or people complaining about hip pain—basically, all the mindless nonsense you really don't want to be reading into. As for my meds, I'm currently on Haldol, Nozinan, Klonopin, Akinetical, and Lorazepam. And regarding self-harm? It's exactly like you said: the physical pain actually provides a sort of relief from the mental agony.

Exactly! Your analogy about the sender and receiver being like a cell phone is spot on...
dršse, don't let those hallucinations take the wheel from you...

Check out this book on the subject:

http://www.nakladaslap.com/rezultat.asp

The book is titled🙏Schizophrenia: How to Live With It by Hans-Jurgen Luderer

I just put in an order to read this one!

Paul Morales6 said:Auditory hallucinations aren't just random noise; they’re more like direct commands or feeling like you've been tapped into someone else's phone call. You'll hear stuff about tomato prices spiking or people complaining about hip pain—basically, all the mindless nonsense you really don't want to be reading into. As for my meds, I'm currently on Haldol, Nozinan, Klonopin, Akinetical, and Lorazepam. And regarding self-harm? It's exactly like you said: the physical pain actually provides a sort of relief from the mental agony.

Thanks for reaching out, really.🙂
What I experience is totally different. It's never instructions or anything... it was just more like hearing people's comments about me coming from somewhere far away in space. Now, it's just this sound of a voice without any actual content. I never felt like I was hearing normal conversations, like the stuff about grocery prices or whatever.
Sometimes I'd imagine—like, I'd insert my own ideas into what others were saying—that a real conversation or some voices in the distance were actually talking about me.
It doesn't feel like there's a sender and a receiver, it's more like it just flows in from the distance, and it's hard to tell where it's coming from. But sometimes, a real sound makes it seem like a conversation. It's weird and just... hard to describe.

mistyranger42 said:God, guys,
what really gets to me is how everything I find online about schizophrenia always points back to one thing: if you’re having hallucinations where you hear people talking about you, they just label it schizophrenia right away. They list all these symptoms, blah blah blah, but if you have that specific one, they say, "Yep, it's schizophrenia."
Right now, I'm not actually hearing full conversations, but I used to—now it's just... sounds, I guess.
Another thing that's weighing on me is that I'm way too focused on myself. I think I'm OVERTHINKING EVERYTHING AND NOT DOING ENOUGH, so I'm scared things won't turn out okay...
It's just so hard to motivate myself to take on work. Usually, once I'm actually working, I don't feel this way, but MAN, IT'S SO HARD TO JUST GET STARTED.

Maybe try working out a bit? You could do some push-ups, sit-ups, squats... stuff at home... or maybe find something to do outside... Just something to physically tire you out... It might help you focus better on what you actually need to get done... Like, even just walking for 20 or 30 minutes straight can help your concentration... Maybe that'll give you enough headspace to stay focused on your tasks for a little while...

To wrap things up, I’ve already touched upon my friend here who was dealing with all sorts of hallucinations. I kept pushing him to see a doctor, but he refused—and now, after everything, he just got released from the psychiatric ward a few days ago (he actually checked himself in voluntarily for nearly three weeks). He’s been prescribed a specific regimen, and his psychiatrist mentioned it’s a "mild psychological disorder"—whatever that’s supposed to mean, since she didn't get into any specifics. So, there's one thing weighing on me: now that he's on this medication, is it common for him to be perfectly fine one day, only to have it hit him like a ton of bricks the next? Does he just spiral back into those fixed ideas out of nowhere? 😕

I honestly don't know what to do with him. Look, I'm not saying I want to work with him or anything, but we've been friends for years. I feel for him because he's sick, but am I even sure he realizes how much he's struggling? He sent me this message explaining why he thinks we shouldn't talk or see each other anymore—which is really just his latest fixation: he actually wanted me to delete his number so he wouldn't "burden" me or my personal life, plus a few other lines.

Does this ever actually end? Can these medications truly provide long-term help and bring back the person he used to be? Or do I just have to accept this is his new reality and maybe, for my own sake, it would be better to just walk away from all of this? 😢

hm.. I came here hoping to learn more about schizophrenia.. what are the symptoms? Like, how does someone even begin to suspect they might have it? Is there a link to being overly aggressive? Do you get hallucinations?
man, so many questions..

Heh, my dad’s buddy has schizophrenia. I never even thought he was sick until my grandpa pointed it out.
From what I gather, some people think they're being persecuted, or that there's a chip implanted, so they get terrified of strangers...
How does someone with schizophrenia actually act?
Do they look totally normal at first glance, or do they just act weird?
And about those episodes.
So, basically, from what I can tell,
how long does one episode usually last?
During an episode, how does a person behave?

Do the meds actually work? And do people taking them feel drugged or like someone else is controlling them?
Because they have this feeling that they're being watched?

What kind of feelings are we talking about—do they vary? Like, some might be hit hard by it, while others deal with it less intensely?
I read somewhere that 30 percent make a full recovery? 🤷
But how do you recover if it's incurable... 🤷

...who is taking (IF they are taking) Vera.

Basically, yesterday my son (who is 14 years and 8 months old) was diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (F23.8) alongside ADHD and developmental delays, which were originally identified back in first grade 😢.

Here is a partial transcript of the findings (I have removed all personal details and specific descriptions that might identify him):

''Patient arrives accompanied by mother. He hasn't been treated here before (Mayo Clinic, per prescriber's note) , but saw Dr. xxx on several occasions between 2001 and 2005 (redacted data). He was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade and hasn't received pharmacotherapy until now. Medical documentation (attached) also indicates developmental delays. At school, there were numerous inadequate reactions to his behavior... (redacted descriptions of teachers' inappropriate reactions towards him) . He worked continuously with special education teacher xxx (redacted data) . Last psychological testing was in 2006, as was the EEG (showing altered results). Historically, the clinical picture was dominated by restlessness, being highly opinionated, talkativeness, and a lifelong struggle with spatial orientation. About a year ago, the clinical presentation shifted toward increasing social isolation, eventually leading to a reversal of sleep-wake cycles... Developed tics about one year ago. Avoids eye contact during communication, is quiet, tense, and has a diminished appetite. Raised in a nuclear family with both parents employed; has two younger brothers. Parents are both 37 years old.
Upon examination, he appears intrapsychically tense, anxious, and shows reduced facial expression; he is affectively detached and only makes eye contact upon request, which is then accompanied by tics (eye blinking). He responds briefly in a quiet voice with prolonged latencies. Denies delusions, though they cannot be ruled out with certainty. Lacks adequate insight into his condition and denies any difficulties. Antipsychotic therapy is recommended, along with further diagnostic workup: psychological testing and EEG.
Diagnosis: Psychotic disorder F23.8...
..... Developmental disorder F83
..... ADHD F90 ex anan.
Th: Vera: 5 mg 0-0-1/2 daily for the first 4 days, then 0-0-1 daily
..... Cogentin daily. 1 dose p.o.

Master xxx (redacted data), MD, psychiatrist''

And now... I looked up the diagnosis code (F23.8) and found it falls under the category ''F20-F29, Schizophrenia, schizophreniform and delusional disorders'', specifically under ''F23.8, Other acute and transient psychotic disorders''. Personally, I feel his symptoms don't quite align with the description of schizoid personality disorder; I would have leaned more toward emotional instability caused partly by the struggles established by his earlier diagnoses, and partly as a consequence of being ostracized by peers due to labeling, which led to emotional volatility, increased impulsivity and aggression, and social isolation—all of which was compounded, naturally, by turbulent puberty... but I am no psychiatrist and am not qualified to make diagnoses or conclusions (so I will likely seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist). I am speaking solely based on my pedagogical experience, my perspective as a mother, and knowledge gained through my educational background in pedagogy and psychology... The issue is that I am deeply concerned about the medication he was prescribed. Specifically, the description of the drug mentions something that troubles me:

''...Olanzapine is a medication used to treat schizophrenia (an antipsychotic)...

...Since improvements in the clinical picture during antipsychotic use may only manifest after several days to several weeks, during that period...Patients require careful monitoring...

...Olanzapine is not intended for managing behavioral issues and/or psychosis associated with dementia , and it is not recommended for these patients due to the risk of cerebrovascular events and increased mortality...

...Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition linked to antipsychotic use. Rare cases have been documented as NMS in connection with olanzapine administration. Clinical signs of NMS include: hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and signs of autonomic instability (irregular pulse, unstable blood pressure, tachycardia, sweating, and cardiac arrhythmias). Additional indicators may involve elevated creatinine phosphokinase levels, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. The clinical onset of NMS, or an unexplained fever without specific NMS markers, necessitates the immediate discontinuation of all antipsychotics, including olanzapine...

...While a direct causal link between venous thromboembolism and olanzapine treatment hasn't been established, it is recommended that patients with schizophrenia be screened for thromboembolism risk factors and that all necessary preventive measures be taken... (He hasn't undergone any screenings or checkups; he was just given the medication yesterday during his first encounter with the psychiatrist)

...Children and adolescents
The use of Vera tablets is not recommended in children, as targeted clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in pediatric populations have not been conducted...
The effectiveness and safety of using olanzapine in children and adolescents up to age 18 have not been established...

...Patients with diabetes
For patients with diabetes, as well as those at an increased risk of developing diabetes, appropriate clinical supervision is advised, as the use of Vera tablets can lead to hyperglycemia and/or the onset or worsening of diabetes, sometimes involving ketoacidosis or coma, particularly in instances of weight gain...'' (My husband is diabetic—Type 1, requiring insulin four times a day, completely insulin-dependent. Our child falls into the high-risk group for developing diabetes, yet even that wasn't taken into account.)

Are there any other parents here whose child has the same diagnosis and is taking this medication? Or perhaps a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist who could offer some guidance? To be honest, I would much rather not give him this medication until I hear another opinion. If it isn't meant for children under 18, why was it prescribed in the first place...?

Thank you so much in advance.

EDIT:

Note:

Yesterday afternoon, he took the first half of a tablet (he is supposed to take half a tablet for the first 4 days, then move to a full 5 mg daily dose). He fell asleep around 5 PM and didn't wake up until 10 AM today. I was panicking, checking to see if he was okay and breathing, but everything seemed fine; he slept like a baby. Still, I don't want my child to become a vegetable, just drifting through life... He is currently home on sick leave because of bronchitis and hasn't been in school since Monday (he's a freshman in high school), but if this is how he reacts (and that was only half a tablet!) , how is he going to function at the school he has to commute to once he starts the full dose...? On top of that, he already struggles enough with ADHD... There are a thousand questions and a thousand worries, and I just don't know the answers... 😢

Is there truly no one 😢?

Oh my God, rapidfalcon22, I am so incredibly sorry for you 🙂

shadowraven21 said:Oh my God, rapidfalcon22, I am so incredibly sorry for you 🙂

Give it a rest. She didn't come here looking for a pity party, she came for help.

rapidfalcon22 said:Is there truly no one 😢?

I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

shadowraven21 said:Oh my God, rapidfalcon22, I am so incredibly sorry for you 🙂

Dear shadowraven21 🙂, right now, we just have to face reality as it stands. He deserves the absolute best care and support possible, so he can navigate his challenges and find a way to engage with the world in a positive, meaningful way... I feel like I've cried every tear there is to cry over these last two days, and today I'm just completely emotionally drained (as far as the pain goes), but my priority now is finding him the highest quality help and surrounding him with all the love in the world so we can get through this together. You know better than anyone, I don't even need to say it, how an mother will move heaven and earth for her children if she has to... 😘

I have been reflecting quite a bit on the recent discussions here... It seems we are all searching for a sense of clarity amidst so much uncertainty... The user says:
I suspect you aren't receiving any replies because this was posted in the wrong section... It might be more effective to start a fresh thread, as this specific case doesn't seem to relate to schizophrenia. This particular discussion is mostly frequented by individuals dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and since we don't have many psychiatrists active here—just a few psychologists or those interested in the field—it tends to be a space where patients primarily offer support to one another...

I decided to post this here because I finally managed to track down his specific diagnosis code under the... The diagnostic categories covering F20 through F29 encompass schizophrenia, schizophrenia-like disorders, and manic states...I thought I might find someone here, if not a child psychiatrist, then perhaps at least a parent navigating a similar situation...

I am simply observing the patterns as they unfold... hoping to find some clarity amidst the noise... says:
I find myself wondering if my advice would even be useful to you, considering that I have taken that medication myself, though I don't suffer from schizophrenia or any related conditions or disorders...

Thank you so much, truly... 🙂

I am still reflecting on everything we discussed... it truly stays with you. says:
Generally speaking, that medication isn't reserved solely for schizophrenia or similar conditions, so please don't let that weigh too heavily on you... It is frequently prescribed for a wide range of F-coded diagnoses. I personally dealt with transient depression and borderline personality disorder, taking it intermittently over a three-year period, and I am now twenty-one years old. I truly believe people allow the potential side effects to overwhelm them, when in reality, those complications are quite rare and often sound much more terrifying than they ever actually manifest in practice. If there were a significant risk, I imagine a psychiatrist would be obligated to warn you, but it is always wise to speak up and alert your doctor if you feel something isn't right...

The facts you shared above bring me a sense of comfort, and I find great solace in your kind words... Since you aren't much older than my son—he turns 15 this coming January—and considering you mentioned being on Vera for three years, I imagine you must have started that medication no later than when you were 18...I am truly relieved if those side effects remain rare, and I sincerely hope my child won't end up being one of those "rare" cases... 😢.

I find myself reflecting on these matters quite deeply... perhaps it is simply how I am wired to process the world around me... says:
...my only concern remains that the medication hasn't been tested on minors, so I truly don't know how it might affect children. And this mention of dementia doesn't sound very reassuring...

Neither do I. 😢
However, he is quite advanced and mature for his age, so I find some comfort in knowing the dosage is actually prescribed based on height and weight, rather than just general development (much like when you would give a small baby an antibiotic or a vaccination based on the child's total body mass).

silentraven11 said:I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

He refused to take the medicine yesterday and today, so I gave it to him by dissolving half a tablet in some warm cocoa (for the first four days he needs to take half of a 5 mg tablet, and after that, the full tablet). The day before yesterday (the first day) the reaction was prolonged sleeping, though I attribute that specific reaction today to exhaustion (he stayed awake all night before, and after being without sleep for 24 hours, he simply had to be overtired). Or perhaps it acted as a placebo for him (first, we went through everything on the list provided to us by the psychiatrist—though it would be more accurate to say we went there at the insistence of his specialist, who has been working with him since first grade). On that first day, he agreed to swallow the first half of the pill and within five minutes said he felt sleepy and that he "would never again take this piece of crap in his life." Yesterday and today (when he didn't even realize he had actually taken the pill), there has been no change in his behavior: he still has no need for sleep, and he remains very destructive, self-destructive, aggressive, and nervous.

silentraven11 said:I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

As much as the first part of your quote comforts me, this part scares me deeply 😢. The doctor mentioned she prescribed the lowest possible dose and that we might see the first effects in about two weeks, and if he reacts positively to the medication, we would continue with it after a month. Otherwise, she would change his therapy.

silentraven11 said:I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

He has been a child with special needs since birth. When he was six and a half, starting first grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD and developmental asynchronous development. He attended a mainstream public school, as he didn't require a specialized curriculum, just an individualized approach (though, over time, he was 🙄)—mainly because several intelligence tests have consistently shown him to have a well above-average IQ. We saw both his child psychiatrist and his psychologist regularly throughout elementary school, and he worked with a special education specialist throughout his entire primary education. Given the increasing self-destructive (suicidal ideation, self-harm) and his overall destructive behavior (breaking anything within reach during outbursts, being aggressive toward us and his younger siblings who have no health or psychological issues, and acting out at school through the 8th grade...), the special education specialist suggested it would be best to take him to a psychiatrist specializing in adolescents within the next few days. The current doctor is very kind and highly experienced, but we will certainly be seeking a second opinion, God forbid, though the fact remains that he truly needs help...

rapidfalcon22 said:

I have been reflecting quite a bit on the recent discussions here... It seems we are all searching for a sense of clarity amidst so much uncertainty... The user says:
I suspect you aren't receiving any replies because this was posted in the wrong section... It might be more effective to start a fresh thread, as this specific case doesn't seem to relate to schizophrenia. This particular discussion is mostly frequented by individuals dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and since we don't have many psychiatrists active here—just a few psychologists or those interested in the field—it tends to be a space where patients primarily offer support to one another...

I decided to post this here because I finally managed to track down his specific diagnosis code under the... The diagnostic categories covering F20 through F29 encompass schizophrenia, schizophrenia-like disorders, and manic states...I thought I might find someone here, if not a child psychiatrist, then perhaps at least a parent navigating a similar situation...

I am simply observing the patterns as they unfold... hoping to find some clarity amidst the noise... says:
I find myself wondering if my advice would even be useful to you, considering that I have taken that medication myself, though I don't suffer from schizophrenia or any related conditions or disorders...

Thank you so much, truly... 🙂

I am still reflecting on everything we discussed... it truly stays with you. says:
Generally speaking, that medication isn't reserved solely for schizophrenia or similar conditions, so please don't let that weigh too heavily on you... It is frequently prescribed for a wide range of F-coded diagnoses. I personally dealt with transient depression and borderline personality disorder, taking it intermittently over a three-year period, and I am now twenty-one years old. I truly believe people allow the potential side effects to overwhelm them, when in reality, those complications are quite rare and often sound much more terrifying than they ever actually manifest in practice. If there were a significant risk, I imagine a psychiatrist would be obligated to warn you, but it is always wise to speak up and alert your doctor if you feel something isn't right...

The facts you shared above bring me a sense of comfort, and I find great solace in your kind words... Since you aren't much older than my son—he turns 15 this coming January—and considering you mentioned being on Vera for three years, I imagine you must have started that medication no later than when you were 18...I am truly relieved if those side effects remain rare, and I sincerely hope my child won't end up being one of those "rare" cases... 😢.

I find myself reflecting on these matters quite deeply... perhaps it is simply how I am wired to process the world around me... says:
...my only concern remains that the medication hasn't been tested on minors, so I truly don't know how it might affect children. And this mention of dementia doesn't sound very reassuring...

Neither do I. 😢
However, he is quite advanced and mature for his age, so I find some comfort in knowing the dosage is actually prescribed based on height and weight, rather than just general development (much like when you would give a small baby an antibiotic or a vaccination based on the child's total body mass).

He refused to take the medicine yesterday and today, so I gave it to him by dissolving half a tablet in some warm cocoa (for the first four days he needs to take half of a 5 mg tablet, and after that, the full tablet). The day before yesterday (the first day) the reaction was prolonged sleeping, though I attribute that specific reaction today to exhaustion (he stayed awake all night before, and after being without sleep for 24 hours, he simply had to be overtired). Or perhaps it acted as a placebo for him (first, we went through everything on the list provided to us by the psychiatrist—though it would be more accurate to say we went there at the insistence of his specialist, who has been working with him since first grade). On that first day, he agreed to swallow the first half of the pill and within five minutes said he felt sleepy and that he "would never again take this piece of crap in his life." Yesterday and today (when he didn't even realize he had actually taken the pill), there has been no change in his behavior: he still has no need for sleep, and he remains very destructive, self-destructive, aggressive, and nervous.

As much as the first part of your quote comforts me, this part scares me deeply 😢. The doctor mentioned she prescribed the lowest possible dose and that we might see the first effects in about two weeks, and if he reacts positively to the medication, we would continue with it after a month. Otherwise, she would change his therapy.

He has been a child with special needs since birth. When he was six and a half, starting first grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD and developmental asynchronous development. He attended a mainstream public school, as he didn't require a specialized curriculum, just an individualized approach (though, over time, he was 🙄)—mainly because several intelligence tests have consistently shown him to have a well above-average IQ. We saw both his child psychiatrist and his psychologist regularly throughout elementary school, and he worked with a special education specialist throughout his entire primary education. Given the increasing self-destructive (suicidal ideation, self-harm) and his overall destructive behavior (breaking anything within reach during outbursts, being aggressive toward us and his younger siblings who have no health or psychological issues, and acting out at school through the 8th grade...), the special education specialist suggested it would be best to take him to a psychiatrist specializing in adolescents within the next few days. The current doctor is very kind and highly experienced, but we will certainly be seeking a second opinion, God forbid, though the fact remains that he truly needs help...

I’m dealing with F25 myself. You might want to brace yourselves now: you aren't going to get the child you once knew back, and someone should probably be blunt enough to tell you that upfront. It tends to only get more complicated from here.
And for heaven's sake, don't ever stop the medication, regardless of the cost or the hassle—those pills are absolute lifesavers.