schizophrenia........................?

Question

ok im 13 and some of my friends are saying they think i have schizophrenia but then i heard that schizophrenia isn't there until your in your old teens or early 20's so is it even possible that i could have it?
is it something thats genetic cause my dad has it?
and im not really sure what exactly schizophrenia is either so could you please make that clearer to me?
is it only voices in your head telling you to die
or is it also schizophrenia when you hear voices in your head telling you to do things that aren't always bad?
PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

My guess is that you're okay so far, because KIDS CAN BE CRUEL and they may just be saying it because they 1. don't understand what schizophrenia really is anyway, and 2. might just want to hurt your feelings, and/or 3. maybe there is something unique about your personality, so they blame it on schizophrenia.

OR.... you COULD possibly have it..... but only a doctor can tell you for sure. Since your dad has it, I'm sure any doctor will take you seriously.

Here is some info to help (click on the link to get more help):

Schizophrenia is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, and a mental health assessment.

If a health professional suspects that you may be depressed or considering suicide, a suicide assessment may also be taken.

Other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, and blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia.

New evidence suggests that the structure of the brain may be different in those who develop schizophrenia.7 Brain imaging studies (such as a CT scan or an MRI) may be done to evaluate the size, structure, and functioning of the brain.

Schizophrenia is accurately diagnosed when:

* You have at least two of the following symptoms in the active phase of the disorder, each having lasted for at least 1 month:
o Hallucinations
o Delusions
o Disorganized speech
o Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
o Negative symptoms (no emotion, inability to experience pleasure, difficulty concentrating)
* Problems functioning on the job or with other people.
* Continuous signs of schizophrenia that have been present for at least 6 months, with symptoms being active for at least 1 month.
* No other mental health or substance abuse problems.

Answer 2

Alright, first of all let me say that I've never had an actual class or anything of the sort about psychology and the like, and all of my knowledge is based on personal research.

Okay, to address your age, it is very unlikely that you have schizophrenia if you are 13. It is possible that you have some indicators that show that you will probably have it when you're older.

Last time I checked, schizophrenia does seem to have a genetic component, though that may not be the only factor.

Schizophrenia is most commonly characterized by hallucinations--this includes hearing things and seeing things, and these things aren't necessarily threatening. Many people see/hear things that are friendly, and sometimes even calming.

There are other symptoms, also, such as a decline in organization. This includes disorganization with speech--often it's very difficult to follow a schizophrenic's train of thought in a conversation, etc. and also other types of disorganisation, like dressing inappropiately and maybe declining in cleanliness.

Of course, no one with schizophrenia presents the exact same symptoms.

If you think that it's possible that you have schizophrenia, I would talk to a doctor, preferably a psychologist.

I don't know what it is you're experiencing, but I should mention that everyone has a sort of mental narrator, the voice that you hear when you think. With schizophrenia, the voices or images you experiencing are usually so realistic that you believe they're actually there.

To clarify something, schizophrenia is NOT bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which one cycles very quickly between depression and mania(an elevated, high mood).
This is also different than Dissociative Identity Disorder(aka multiple personality disorder). With this, the psyche actually splits and forms completely seperate identities and personalities. Basically, you could be a 10 year old boy one day, and then a bit later you could be a 35 year old woman, then a while later be someone completely new. This is EXTREMELY rare and some doctors don't even believe in its existance.

I know that this seems completely off subject, but from my experience with yahoo answers, people get these things mixed up a lot and I don't want you to get them confused.

Good luck with all of this. If in doubt, I suggest talking to your parents or a counselor at school or a doctor. There are so many misconceptions around this and other mental illnesses, and it's important to get the facts from people who really know what they're talking about.

Answer 3

Schizophrenia is when you see and hear things that aren't really there, when you hear voices telling you to do evil stuff or telling you to harm yourself. You can have schizophrenia at a young age because if one of your parents or family members has it, you do have a chance of having it and i don't know if you are a boy or a girl but its more common in males. My dad has it and he has had it since he was about 15.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia:
*Losing interest in stuff you love
*Your speech might slow down and you might feel confused
*You feel that there are people watching you and you fear that one of your family members will try and hurt you
*Bad sleeping patterns...

Again, you may not have Schizophrenia but as soon as you start hearing or seeing things that aren't there, go and tell your parents as soon as possible.

Answer 4

This is a difficult diagnosis for some people...I have ben diagnosed with several disorders over the years....So many things can cause any number of residual effects that can appear as Schizophrenia...I actually have PT SD...Post traumatic stress disorder but I was first diagnosed with ADHD in the 5th grade..I couldn't focus and that's all I told them..I was also hearing voices..I told someone latter about that.....Some say that it is a genetic type of thing....I have had thoughts about this idea...I think if you grow up with someone in the family that is chances are you will mimic or obtain some personality characteristics of them..
Like any trate or learned thing.. Schizophrenia can be brought about in many ways...If you think that you are Schizophrenic you might cause yourself undue stress and actually think your way into a big hole...Don't worry about it so much...I would get some books on the disorder as well as some of the subject matter involved in some cases of Schizophrenia...PT SD is a big reason for allot of people....Don't just through every thing into someone else's perception of you.. I know it is sometime the easiest thing to do...But just keep strong for your own sake........I hope this helps you even if it is just in a small way.....Take care..

Answer 5

If you are really concerned about your mental health, approach your parents, school counselor, clergyman, or other trusted adult with your concerns. Schizophrenia is a complex disease, one that cannot be diagnosed on Yahoo! Answers. If, after discussing your concerns with an adult, you both agree that it would be a good idea to visit a doctor for an evaluation, then that's what you should do. If you do have this condition, you will then get the help you need.

Note that a lot of people read about psychological conditions and think that they have them, because we all have some symptoms of different conditions. But, that does not necessarily mean that you have it. Stay calm, talk to an adult, and get the help and guidance that you need.

Answer 6

Someone mentioned that schizophrenia is a "split" personality. It is not and there really is no such thing as a split personality. I think your friends are needlessly scaring you. If you are worried have your parents take you for an evaluation with a mental health professional. Voices in your head are part of MANY different types of mental health issues, not just schizophrenia.

Answer 7

I have schizophrenia had it in my late 30s i hear good voices and bad voices, i have it so bad that its the good voices that get me through the day. like clean the house like telling me what to do .if you start hearing things thats a good sign.try schizophrenia. com to read on schizophrenia.

Answer 8

being normal in a not so normal world is a very tough challenge. Be normal or not, just be it. You will definitely find someone crazy enough to jive on whatever disease or incompetency that you have. For sure you are thinking alot, I suggest you free your mind of worries and forget hurtful past. Unwind, take a vacation. Have a pet, share someone your love and dont think about so many things.There are alot of stupid things that happens for no reason. Dont bother to find out, that will surely make 50% of the population crazy.

Answer 9

yes schizophrenia can be genetic, but that doesn't mean you will have it as bad as someone else in your family. as long as it doesn't make you afraid for yourself or affect the way you socialize with people, i wouldn't worry yet.

Answer 10

Go to "webmd.com", there you'll find an over view, and many links with, probably, more information than you can handle. If this doesn't ease your mind, maybe see a Dr. and see what he says. Keep smiling.