Can someone have schizophrenia and bipolar at same time?

Answer 1

No. The diagnostic criteria for each one excludes the other. When people have significant symptoms of both disorders they may be diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder.

Answer 2

There is a thing called Schizoaffective DIsorder, which is a combination of Schizophrenia and Bipolar DIsorder.
The DSM-IV does mention that someone might have "bipolar episodes" superimposed on Schizophrenia. I don't understand how that's different from Schizoaffective DIsorder.
Also, sometime people with Bipolar DIsorder can have psychotic features (hallucinations and/or delusions), which is getting similar to Schizophrenia.
It seems a little subjective to me sometimes, because some patients are diagnosed with schizophrenia by one doctor and bipolar disorder by another. Some people get their diagnosis changed several times over the years. Sometimes people take the same medication for either bipolar or schizophrenia--I honestly wonder sometimes if there's really that much of a difference (that's just my opinion).

Answer 3

Alex62 gave a great answer. She is very right. My mom suffered for years with schizophrenia and manic depression. Yes, she was diagnosed with both illnesses. They are not the same and yet is some ways they are similar and in others completely different. Even though "bipolar' can be delusional for the most part those that see and hear things that aren't there are schizophrenic. The homeless that you see talking to people that aren't there are more then likely schizophrenic. The person that is one minute happy and high on life and within seconds could be suicidal is bipolar. Either way they are sad diseases to get stuck with if left untreated.

Answer 4

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a person with schizophrenia is highly likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder or clinical depression. Bipolar is a mood disorder. So yes, a person can and often does suffer from both schizophrenia and bipolar at the same time.

Answer 5

technically yes.

many psych professionals are questioning the current DSM, that is the diagnostics manual in the USA. The UK has different guidelines set. Also, it is actually not that easy to diagnose someone. usually it's preferable to say what the main symptoms are.
the DSM is a guide. it's guidelines for diagnosis, but it isn't absolute. many people don't fit into the DSM lists for each 'illness'.
several people cross over, and have symptoms of one illness and another, though not necessarily all things listed of both. and very rarely does that happen. no one perfectly fits a diagnosis. they are 'fit into it'

personally, i find these type of labels limiting. i feel they blind people who are treating patients to sticking to the label and so patients get treated like the label rather than treated like complex people. then the patient acts more like their diagnosis. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

i'd even question whether it were schizophrenia and bipolar.
mood swings, depression can happen as part of schizophrenia, so diagnosing bipolar as well, which is 'in general' mood swings, seems redundant almost. i would think the person would have to be exhibiting more of a manic phase, than a depressive phase to get this kind of diagnosis.
i have yet to come someone with this particular diagnosis/'double illness' however.
despite working in psych.

interesting question.

Answer 6

Symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar that are co-occuring is considered to be "schizoaffective disorder". Basically it is a mood disorder (bipolar) with schizophrenic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, etc).
This is a very common condition and needs to be treated by a psychiatrist. Psychotropic medications are very effective with this diagnosis. Good Luck to you!!!

Answer 7

you mean where the symptoms of schizophrenia come and go like a wave-effect (like bipolar)? it could be schizoaffective - you might want to look into that... but i believe it is possible for people to have both... i'm on medication for symptoms of schizophrenia AND bipolar.. but havne't been diagnosed... so don't know.. but i think you mean schizoaffective disorder.. google it or something, it'll help...

Answer 8

I am not a mental health professional, but from the assesments made on a host of people that I record on a database, apparently, it is possible.

However, in my personal opinion, it is not the illness that is a problem, but how you overcome or minimize its effects or influence on you, your life, your environment and the people with whom you interact.

There is a lot more understanding and comprehension for those diagnosed with mental health illnesses. Many lead a normal life. From what I observe, a caring environment and the determination of the person having the illness to get out of the negative effects can do wonders.

Answer 9

what you are describing is called schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. this occurs when a bipolar disorder occurs alongside a psychotic disorder similar to schizophrenia. if someone you know shows any symptoms of one or both disorders, a good psychiatrist can help you sort it all out.

Answer 10

Possibly but not likely...it is rare. The thing is ...there are many forms of the "phrenia." A person could be one of many of them. It's a sad but fasinating subject. We take our brains for granted and never stop to realize how fragile this controlling organ is. Just one minor flaw and we are in a mess of trouble.