Schizophrenia - General Discussion

Michelle Evans said:Hmm. Even if someone genuinely forgets, or chooses to "forget," it won't matter much to the family doctor signing the paperwork. Without that clearance, you can't prove psychological fitness to pass the driving test or get a license. I don't remember exactly how things used to be since I took my test ages ago, but nowadays, the system if nobody catches it, then you're good to go isn't really reliable. At least not here in the States.

Having a condition involving psychosis doesn't mean you're automatically barred from driving or lose your license. However, Alexiss should be aware that it could become an obstacle or lead to certain restrictions...

Wait, isn't the deadline actually 2033?😕
For a Class C license, you have to pass medical exams every five years.
Back when I first got mine—man, that was back in the old days, before everything changed😢—nobody ever asked me for another single checkup. Ever!
And look at me now! I’m out here driving with significant vision issues, not to mention my mental state... can you even imagine?🙄

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Wait, isn't the deadline actually 2033?😕
For a Class C license, you have to pass medical exams every five years.
Back when I first got mine—man, that was back in the old days, before everything changed😢—nobody ever asked me for another single checkup. Ever!
And look at me now! I’m out here driving with significant vision issues, not to mention my mental state... can you even imagine?🙄

I've edited my reply.

It looks like anyone holding an unlimited license has to swap it out by 2033. At least, that’s what the news reports were saying. (link1 link2)

But if you have to get a replacement before then—say, if yours gets lost or destroyed—you're forced to undergo a full medical exam just like a first-timer. And regardless of how healthy you are, they'll slap an expiration limit on it. No more "unlimited" status. That's what happened to some people I know... better watch you don't drop your license in the toilet or something.😁

You have to go through the whole medical process even for a renewal, because there used to be certain restrictions. They aren't doing selective exams based on specific issues anymore like they used to... everything is comprehensive now.

My official diagnosis is this: Catatonic Schizophrenia - F 20.2
I must admit, I am somewhat out of my depth here. I am currently on a heavy regimen of medications, though, if I am being perfectly honest, they tend to leave me feeling quite wretched—to the point where I sometimes find myself wishing I weren't around at all. Furthermore, I have been plagued by these intrusive auditory hallucinations, almost as if there is a compulsion to kill someone and consume them alive. That said, perhaps it is merely my perception, but the intensity seems to have diminished somewhat since I left my house; being here, in this facility, feels slightly more manageable. I suppose I am curious as to what your collective thoughts might be regarding this particular diagnosis?

Arthur Scott5 said:My official diagnosis is this: Catatonic Schizophrenia - F 20.2
I must admit, I am somewhat out of my depth here. I am currently on a heavy regimen of medications, though, if I am being perfectly honest, they tend to leave me feeling quite wretched—to the point where I sometimes find myself wishing I weren't around at all. Furthermore, I have been plagued by these intrusive auditory hallucinations, almost as if there is a compulsion to kill someone and consume them alive. That said, perhaps it is merely my perception, but the intensity seems to have diminished somewhat since I left my house; being here, in this facility, feels slightly more manageable. I suppose I am curious as to what your collective thoughts might be regarding this particular diagnosis?

It's a rare subtype of schizophrenia.
But honestly? The prognosis is actually better than most other subtypes out there. That’s probably why we don't run into catatonic cases nearly as often as others.
There are certain nuances, sure, but if you follow the treatment plan—specifically staying on top of your medication—you can really maintain a high quality of life.
However, because of those commanding auditory hallucinations, there is an inherent risk of hurting yourself or others, which sounds like what you might be dealing with right now.
I'm not entirely sure though... are you also experiencing bouts of stupor or periods of extreme agitation?

Kevin Nguyen3 said:It's a rare subtype of schizophrenia.
But honestly? The prognosis is actually better than most other subtypes out there. That’s probably why we don't run into catatonic cases nearly as often as others.
There are certain nuances, sure, but if you follow the treatment plan—specifically staying on top of your medication—you can really maintain a high quality of life.
However, because of those commanding auditory hallucinations, there is an inherent risk of hurting yourself or others, which sounds like what you might be dealing with right now.
I'm not entirely sure though... are you also experiencing bouts of stupor or periods of extreme agitation?

Is it not true that disorganized schizophrenia carries the most daunting prognosis, even if we must admit that such a diagnosis is also quite uncommon?

Tom, I truly believe it would be wise for you to consult with a psychiatrist regarding higher doses of niacin (vitamin B3) as a way to mitigate your medication side effects.

For instance, I personally struggle with hypothyroidism, and I find that I only feel functional when I take 100mg of B-complex twice daily.

In the United States, some psychiatrists and nutritionists prescribe niacin dosages as high as 4500mg for schizophrenia, which is staggering when you consider the RDA for niacin is a mere 17mg—just enough to prevent something like pellagra or beriberi due to a deficiency.

Those living with schizophrenia often have a much greater physiological dependency on niacin, given that the condition is fundamentally a neurological disorder.

If it were possible, perhaps you could attempt a regimen of 1000mg of niacin daily alongside one or two tablets of B-complex? These supplements typically contain 100mg each of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, and in my experience, the B-100 from KLM is the most effective option.

Please keep in mind that this is not intended as a cure, but rather as a supportive measure to "simply" help reduce side effects and facilitate better management of the illness; one cannot simply abandon their prescribed medications.

I am going to start making a fuss about being discharged from the hospital; I intend to pretend I am perfectly healthy because I simply cannot endure staying there any longer. My own mind keeps whispering to me that I am harming these patients—that I am performing some sort of unspeakable, vile acts—and frankly, I would much rather be back in my own home than stay here just to be medicated into a state of compliance. Whatever happens after that, well, that is for the universe to decide, I suppose. Does anyone happen to have a contact number for an exceptionally good psychiatrist? Ideally, someone who might offer services without a massive bill, though I realize that may be asking too much. Please, if anyone can help, let me know.

Arthur Scott5 said:I am going to start making a fuss about being discharged from the hospital; I intend to pretend I am perfectly healthy because I simply cannot endure staying there any longer. My own mind keeps whispering to me that I am harming these patients—that I am performing some sort of unspeakable, vile acts—and frankly, I would much rather be back in my own home than stay here just to be medicated into a state of compliance. Whatever happens after that, well, that is for the universe to decide, I suppose. Does anyone happen to have a contact number for an exceptionally good psychiatrist? Ideally, someone who might offer services without a massive bill, though I realize that may be asking too much. Please, if anyone can help, let me know.

Look, if you start acting like you're ready to walk out that door, they’re just gonna call in a court-appointed evaluator who’ll happily sign off on a three-month involuntary hold.

At the end of the day, the location doesn't matter nearly as much as actually getting your head right.

Arthur Scott5 said:I am going to start making a fuss about being discharged from the hospital; I intend to pretend I am perfectly healthy because I simply cannot endure staying there any longer. My own mind keeps whispering to me that I am harming these patients—that I am performing some sort of unspeakable, vile acts—and frankly, I would much rather be back in my own home than stay here just to be medicated into a state of compliance. Whatever happens after that, well, that is for the universe to decide, I suppose. Does anyone happen to have a contact number for an exceptionally good psychiatrist? Ideally, someone who might offer services without a massive bill, though I realize that may be asking too much. Please, if anyone can help, let me know.

One simply cannot hide schizophrenia from the law. Silver Bear gave you some very sound advice. A court-appointed evaluator could commit you for three months—or perhaps even longer. Is it truly wise to risk walking into such a situation?

So, I have to wonder—is it actually permissible for someone dealing with schizophrenia to take some twisted pleasure in their own illness, using it as an excuse to just act like a total jerk to everyone around them, all while expecting people to still keep loving them?

Let’s have a little sing-along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAqZb52sgpU

Larry Lewis said:So, I have to wonder—is it actually permissible for someone dealing with schizophrenia to take some twisted pleasure in their own illness, using it as an excuse to just act like a total jerk to everyone around them, all while expecting people to still keep loving them?

Let’s have a little sing-along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAqZb52sgpU

Sure he can, but let me tell you, it never ends well.

Well, I suppose I shall follow your advice then. I intend to commit myself to my treatment so that I might actually feel better. For these past few days, the voices have subsided somewhat, and I’ve been prescribed some new medications—I believe they are helping, as I find myself engaging with people much more frequently now.

David Vaughn75 said:Sure he can, but let me tell you, it never ends well.

I honestly can't tell anymore—it seems like everyone is just broadcasting their own ailments these days, even the ones who claim they're perfectly healthy🤷

Arthur Scott5 said:Well, I suppose I shall follow your advice then. I intend to commit myself to my treatment so that I might actually feel better. For these past few days, the voices have subsided somewhat, and I’ve been prescribed some new medications—I believe they are helping, as I find myself engaging with people much more frequently now.

Fingers crossed.

Larry Lewis said:I honestly can't tell anymore—it seems like everyone is just broadcasting their own ailments these days, even the ones who claim they're perfectly healthy🤷

Honestly, it’s just people desperate for some attention and a little sympathy. Let's face it, nobody gives you much of either anymore, so they resort to these kinds of tactics just to feel seen.

Arthur Scott5 said:Well, I suppose I shall follow your advice then. I intend to commit myself to my treatment so that I might actually feel better. For these past few days, the voices have subsided somewhat, and I’ve been prescribed some new medications—I believe they are helping, as I find myself engaging with people much more frequently now.

Is this your first time checking into a hospital?

Look, the doctors aren't just looking at your charts—they're watching how you carry yourself. They want to see if you're keeping things tidy, if you're actually interacting with other patients, and if you're showing up and participating in group therapy sessions. Just do exactly what I told you before and they'll cut you loose sooner. And for heaven's sake, be honest with them—just tell the doctors everything that's going on in your head.

This is slightly off-topic, though I believe it could prove quite informative for everyone here.

Dietary Habits and Behavior —this lecture was presented by the retired neurosurgeon Dr. Fauci.

If you could simply disregard the first and fourth words in this video's title, would you not find his insights incredibly enlightening?

David Vaughn75 said:Honestly, it’s just people desperate for some attention and a little sympathy. Let's face it, nobody gives you much of either anymore, so they resort to these kinds of tactics just to feel seen.

Nowadays, everyone acts like some big-shot tough guy or a constant agitator... there isn't much genuine humanity left out there, though I suppose there's still a glimmer of it somewhere.

The doctors over at my clinic in Smalltown, USA just changed my diagnosis while I was laying there in bed.
It’s not schizophrenia anymore; they've switched it to borderline and organic psychotic disorder.

But honestly, deep down, I think I'll always feel like it's schizophrenia.

So, this GP who handles his prescriptions tells him one day, "Hey, this antipsychotic is super pricey, so you probably shouldn't take it every day—maybe just every other day instead." Like, seriously? What kind of absolute idiot tells a patient with an F25 diagnosis that? And get this—it wasn't even the first time! She actually told another patient they were "too expensive" once, too. I wasn't there to film her or yell at her in the face, but man... what is going on with these primary care doctors lately?! If I could fire her or report her to the medical board or the IRS, I totally would, but honestly, where do you even go to file a complaint these days?