3 psychiatrists have a different diagnoze on me, schizoaffective, schizophreniform and schizophrenia. who’s ri
How do I know who is right? some weird symptoms that I have i noticed is that when I turn on the lights and head upstairs I feel someone is following me. Another symptom I have is that I am suicidal someday and someday i’m doing excellent. Another symptom that I have is that I think god is controlling my thoughts. Please let me know how i’m doing. By the way I take risperdal-consta injection, seroquel, lithobid (lithium), ativan and prevacid. thank you very much 10 points for the best answer.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:01 am
That's WAY too many meds at the same time. You should only be on one or two and lithium isn't for either disorder. It's for bipolar disorder. I think it's time to stop seing all three doctors and get another opinion at least until you have a diagnosis that matches one.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:15 am
There is so much overlap with schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia that the treatment is basically identical. The primary difference is that schizoaffective disorder usually includes a Major Depressive, Manic, or Mixed Episode. From your medications, it sounds as if they are treating you for Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type. For schizophreniform disorder, your symptoms are episodic and last at least 1 month, but less than 6 months. The diagnosis is mostly for insurance reimbursement and to help organize treatment. But since these diagnoses are similar….I wouldn't say they are meaningless, but the differences aren't that important. Basically, I wouldn't be concerned over what diagnosis or label they give you…its just that, a label. As long as you are doing well on your medication and have a good psychiatrist, then who cares whether you have schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or schizophreniform disorder?
March 10th, 2009 at 5:29 am
keep seeing more doctors! dont give up on helping yourself!
March 10th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Wow! I'd be careful what you do with the answers you get on a site like this. My best advice is pick the diagnosis that seems most right to you and your family. Because of the nature of your illness, you are wise if you listen to your family and friends. They notice things that you can't. It probably doesn't matter as much what label you put on your symptoms as it does that you pick a doctor, stick with him/her, and stay on your meds. Be accountable to a family member for this. It's a common problem for people to feel better and get off the medication. Consider yourself like a diabetic, that you will need to continue to take medication in order to stay well. But it shouldn't cause you any shame. Just take it like it's your daily vitamins!!!