Am I schizophrenic?

Question

Well, I've noticed some changes in the way my mind works during the last 2 years. Sadly to say, I feel my IQ dropped (and it did, by 15 points on the Reaven scale), my mind blockes from time to time (I can't seem to be able to think about issues that concern me) and there are situations when I don't know how to react (I feel like I'm emotionally numb). I went to see a psychiatrist and she said I'm normal and could not be schizophrenic because I'm extroverted, but I think she didn't quite take me seriously. I would also like to add that I have a relative who was schizophrenic. I'm now in my 20s and I used to be quite smart before all these started, but I'm very afraid that my mind is degrating. Please share your opinion with me.

Answer 1

You know, that sounds like me. I was wondering if I was going nuts not so long ago. Now I know I am. As for you, well there are tests that can conclusivly show schizophrenia, as it is a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are minor subsets of schizophrenia so I don't think it's a good idea to self diagnos. If you hear voices or see things that others don't then you probably have schizophrenia. Those are the classic symptoms. You should find a psychiatrist, not a counsellor or psycologist, who is willing to listen to you and take you and your concerns seriously. Then take appropriate actions to determine what may be wrong with you. I don't think schizophrenia destroys a persons intelligence. I'm not sure though, so don't quote me on that. My mom worked with schizophrenics at one time and she said she knew some who were considered near genius. Just socially stigmatized due to their condition. Best of luck to you. I won't say don't worry, I know better but there are lots of treatments for mental disorders now. More opportunities and support as people get educated, so take heart!

Answer 2

you question reminded me of the ole' question...do crazy people know they are crazy? (and no, i don't think you are) i am by no means an expert but, from what you have described it doesn't sound typical of schizophrenia. perhaps you are just in a place right now where you are distracted and concentrating is difficult. another reason you may feel that you are not as smart as you used to be is because you are out of practice studying or being tested. you didn't say what you do for a living but, alot of stuff that's pounded into heads when we are in school we don't actually use. i am sorry that you feel emotionally numb, but that may also be from your life changing. relationships and opinions change from our experiences. maybe this is just a transition period in your life and when you come out of it your ideas of normal for you will be totally different. regardless of whether i am way off or not i wish you the best. take care of you.

Answer 3

I'm no psychiatrist, but I think what you are experiencing is maturity. Together with your age, you may be experiencing some stress and anxiety. That may make you absent minded as you have blocked some of the processes that normally were free to your conscious access.

Try exercise and meditation. These aren't drugs and can't harm you (unless you work out too hard, of course).

Until you do some exercise and get your body fit, you can't really make any positive judgments about your mind. Your body and your mind and completely intertwined and feed off of signals from one another.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I don't think you are a schizo. Schizophrenics aren't aware of themselves like you are. As for IQ tests, they're just silly tests to make smart people feel smarter. No one's mind is ever perfect. I used to think of myself as a smart person, especially because of my IQ test results. Now, I think I need to nourish my brain more. My recall isn't very good either. At times, I'd forget things I just learned recently. It's pretty normal though and I don't think anything's wrong with me. You're pretty normal if you ask me. A real schizo wouldn't ask if she were one. You're just a bit insecure right now. I bet if you try doing something or hang out with someone you really like, I'm sure you would feel much less of a schizo.

Answer 5

I'd go with the psychiatrist. The symptoms you mention could be of MANY sources. And may be fleeting. schizophrenia has many key symptoms, and if you've talked to a pro, and they say you're not, it's a good bet you're not. Depression is one that can have all the trademarks you mentioned. (Just as one example.) My advice would be to continue talking to the psych. They're professional non-judgementals, and have the education, and neutrality to be a good sounding board if nothing else.

Answer 6

first of all ,i don think mind performance decrease in this early age(20's) but keep increasing
and about the lost 15 points may be that happen becouse you convenved your self and as a result your mind that it's performance is deacreasing...
so try to take more time thinking in the situations that faces you you will not be able to think clearly at the first time but by that you will be like tranning your mind and if you like you said was smart so it won't take much time
but plz stop saying (my mind is regrating) couse it will be if keep sayin' it
and don forget that mind is like any other part in your body
gets better with tranning ...
i hope that can help you.
bye

Answer 7

the number one sign that you're scizophrenic would be hearing voices in your head telling you what to do... my grandmother is in her mid-late 60s and she's been scizophrenic for most of her life... she's introverted and is always talking about these people in her head like they're real...

the symptoms you have could just be the result of stress and lack of sleep

Answer 8

I think you're simply freaking out because someone in your family was schizophrenic.

Answer 9

...im not a dr...
but u dont sound schizphrenic...

do check the source out for more information of schizophrenia...

Answer 10

if you believe it-you need a doctor-not YAHOO ANSWERS