I see & hear things that aren't there.... do I need to worry if I KNOW they're not real?

Question

I've been trying to figure out why I have some of the mental health problems I do. I seem to have signs of schizophrenia, but when I see or hear things, or get paranoid, or get convinced of things that can't be real (e.g. I'll obsess over the idea that people are reading my mind), I know they aren't real or rational. Is it really schizophrenia if you KNOW it's not real?

I have been to see therapists, shrinks, etc., but it just seems like none of them can get their diagnosis straight. As of present, I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, & that's just to begin with, and then there are others who have said there is no way that I have ALL of these things and still function. I'm kind of wary of doctors, because I quit when the last one tried to up my 2000mg dosage of Depakote to 2500mg (and I am NOT kidding), because I don't respond well to medications, & lithium would have been too much for me. At this point, I'm trying to figure out some things on my own, because I'm tired of being diagnosed with EVERYTHING under the sun (outside of these, my doctors are also saying I have a variant of narcolepsy, & are now testing me for epilepsy). You'd be sick of doctors too.

Answer 1

Yes, you do. Get help now!

I have been diagnosed with Schizo-Affective Disorder, but it took a long time to get a diagnosis, because I knew that these things weren't real. Schizo-Affective Disorder is in the same family as Schizophrenia, the difference being that the patient realises that the hallucinations aren't real.

With the proper treatment, the symptoms can be reduced, and allow you to live a healthy and productive life.

P.S. Psychotic disorders are often coupled with varying degrees of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, so be sure to mention any OCD symptoms to the doctor as well :)

Answer 2

Schizophrenia hits in late adolescents or early adulthood, and also runs in family genes. Has there been other family members with it or any other mental illness? Even though u know that the things u see or hear rnt real, it may still be schizophrenia. It seems that u r still in touch with reality presently. Although someone with schizophrenia can become absolutely out of touch with reality and act on their delusions. I have worked with ppl with schizophrenia and just like ppl r different so is the illness in each individual. I have heard from a lot of the ppl i have worked with that they also felt that ppl were reading their minds, or they were broadcasting their thoughts out to others to be read. Its a scary thing to be diagnosed with schizophrenia due to all the stigma that surrounds the illness. But honestly the ppl that i have come in contact with have been incredible. Most of them have been young men from 19-23, they now have jobs and r doing well. I would suggest to see a psychiatrist, have ur questions answered by a professional. Good luck!

Answer 3

Jane make an appointment with nearest mental health agency or pychologist for an evaluation. I'm not a doctor but extended family members were schizophrenic. They couldn't understand reality vs. dillusion.

Bi-polar, or other compulsive disorders can materialize in hearing, seeing things and causing paranoid behavior. Don't suffer in silence nor try to handle it alone. Seek a mental health professional. Good luck

Answer 4

Check out schizotypal personality disorder. This is a sort of milder form of schizophrenia. If you are truly in a psychotic state you will believe its 100% real.
Paranoia and strange perceptual experiences are part of it - i don't know if you have other symptoms.

(a) inappropriate or constricted affect (the individual appears cold and aloof);
(b) behaviour or appearance that is odd, eccentric, or peculiar;
(c) poor rapport with others and a tendency to social withdrawal;
(d) odd beliefs or magical thinking, influencing behaviour and inconsistent with subcultural norms;
(e) suspiciousness or paranoid ideas;
(f) obsessive ruminations without inner resistance, often with dysmorphophobic, sexual or aggressive contents;
(g) unusual perceptual experiences including somatosensory (bodily) or other illusions, depersonalization or derealization;
(h) vague, circumstantial, metaphorical, overelaborate, or stereotyped thinking, manifested by odd speech or in other ways, without gross incoherence;
(i) occasional transient quasi-psychotic episodes with intense illusions, auditory or other hallucinations, and delusion-like ideas, usually occurring without external provocation.

The disorder runs a chronic course with fluctuations of intensity. Occasionally it evolves into overt schizophrenia. There is no definite onset and its evolution and course are usually those of a personality disorder. It is more common in individuals related to schizophrenics and is believed to be part of the genetic "spectrum" of schizophrenia.

Answer 5

yes you need meds now the meds work and let you lead a normal life and helps you deal with all the crap in your head you are on overload try seroquel. lithium.klonapine or some of the old time drugs such as thorazine works excellent in the proper dose and no you wont be a zombie seroquel is the best go see mental health

Answer 6

You really should see a mental health practitioner especially a psychiatrist. If you are still hesitant to do so, go to the library and take out the DSM V. This book lists criteria (symptoms) that foretell disease. Check it out. Do this NOW.

Answer 7

It sounds like you are suffering from a borderline personality disorder. It is a very real form of mental illness. You should seek psychiatric help.

Answer 8

You definitely need an evaluation by a professional psychiatrist, it may be mild now but these things worsen over time and you don't want to get to the point that it is unmanageable.

Answer 9

certainly it can be. But you sound more obsessive-compulsive than you do schizophrenic, so far. It is a progressive disorder tho, so if you are recieving treatment, stay on it.

Answer 10

Worry. take meds. Dont end up like my cousin, dead after he thought he could fly...

Another family member thought he was Jesus Christ.