Simple Schizophrenia: A Personal Journey and Insights

Q: Simple Schizophrenia: A Personal Journey and Insights

Hello, Miss Jiang： One of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia is indeed delusions of reference (the belief that many things are related to oneself), where the brain involuntarily makes excessive associations. <br>Medication treatment can improve symptoms for most individual

I would like to understand patients with schizophrenia?

Hello doctor, I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with simple schizophrenia at the age of 16.
I initially sought help from a psychiatrist because I felt that I had certain issues that were different from others, which led my mother to take me to see a doctor.
During my first diagnosis, my mother discussed my situation with Dr.
Lee Kuan Yew.
Although I felt that what my mother described did not match my reality, the diagnosis on the prescription stated "simple schizophrenia."
The reason I sought psychiatric help was that I felt the world had changed, and I became sensitive to external stimuli.
For example, I felt that the voices of others were directed at me, but I did not experience auditory hallucinations or visual delusions.
I wonder if this sensitivity is related to being ostracized by boys during my second and third years of junior high school.

Currently, I am stable on medication, but I still feel sensitive to sounds and experience fear when I hear noises that I believe are related to me.
Doctors I have consulted have said this is a form of delusion of reference, but I find it strange and tell myself that my thoughts might be wrong.
Previously, I requested my doctor to increase my medication dosage, but whether I took more or less, the improvement was minimal.
The medication I am currently taking, Sertraline, has slightly reduced my sensitivity to stimuli.
I mainly want to ask if my condition is indeed simple schizophrenia.
I would like to understand the definition of this illness better and if there are any methods to assess whether I have this condition.
Additionally, I have noticed that my memory has been deteriorating, and my family, including my mother and brother, have advised me to stop taking psychiatric medication, claiming that my mental state is worsening.

Regarding long-acting injections, what are the latest medications available, and how often are they administered?
Furthermore, my mother has been acting a bit irrationally lately.
She was involved in a car accident where she was hit by someone who was speeding.
She accused the motorcycle shop owner, with whom she had a financial dispute, of inciting three speeders to hit her.
From what I understand, the motorcycle shop apprentices are not speeders, and the shop owner did not incite anyone to harm my mother; it was simply a traffic accident dispute.
My family hopes that I will not correct my mother or argue with her about these matters, as they feel that doing so would be disrespectful.

Jiang Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, Miss Jiang: One of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia is indeed delusions of reference (the belief that many things are related to oneself), where the brain involuntarily makes excessive associations.
Medication treatment can improve symptoms for most individuals, but it is true that some patients may not experience significant effects.
For any concerns regarding schizophrenia, it is advisable to discuss them with your physician during outpatient visits.
Long-acting injections are typically administered every two weeks, and there are also long-acting injections available that are given once a month.
The availability of these medications may vary by hospital, so it is recommended to discuss and confirm this with your physician during follow-up visits.
Regarding your mother's situation, it is suggested to first address her discomfort.
If you have already expressed your views and she is unable to accept them, it may not be effective to reiterate them in the short term.
Instead, consider helping her shift her focus to other interests that she may find engaging.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2016/02/16

More Info

Understanding Simple Schizophrenia: A Personal Journey and Insights
Hello, thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns regarding your mental health. It sounds like you have been on a long and challenging journey since your diagnosis of simple schizophrenia, which is often referred to as "simple type schizophrenia" or "schizophreniform disorder." This condition is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms, including social withdrawal, emotional blunting, and a lack of motivation, without the presence of prominent hallucinations or delusions that are typically associated with other forms of schizophrenia.

From what you have described, it seems that your initial experiences of feeling sensitive to the world around you and perceiving that others' conversations were directed at you may have been early signs of your condition. It's not uncommon for individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders to experience heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, which can lead to feelings of paranoia or anxiety, even in the absence of overt hallucinations.

Your current treatment with medication, specifically with the drug "Seroquel" (Quetiapine), appears to be providing some relief, albeit with ongoing challenges. It’s important to recognize that medication can take time to reach its full effect, and finding the right dosage and type of medication can be a process of trial and error. If you feel that your current medication is not adequately addressing your symptoms, it is crucial to communicate this with your psychiatrist. They can assess your situation and consider adjusting your treatment plan, which may include trying different medications or dosages.

Regarding your concerns about memory and cognitive function, it is not uncommon for individuals on antipsychotic medications to experience cognitive side effects. These can include difficulties with memory, attention, and processing speed. However, it is essential to differentiate between the effects of the medication and the underlying condition itself. Regular follow-ups with your psychiatrist can help monitor these cognitive changes and determine the best course of action.

As for your mother’s recent behavior and the family dynamics, it sounds like there may be additional stressors at play. Your mother’s reaction to the car accident and her subsequent beliefs about the incident may indicate her own struggles with anxiety or paranoia. It’s important to approach these situations with empathy, recognizing that her behavior may stem from her own fears or unresolved issues. However, it is also crucial for you to maintain your own mental health and boundaries. Engaging in open and honest communication with your family about your needs and feelings can be beneficial, but it’s essential to do so in a way that feels safe for you.

In terms of evaluating your condition, it may be helpful to engage in regular assessments with your mental health professional. They can provide you with standardized tools and questionnaires that can help gauge your symptoms and overall functioning. This ongoing evaluation can assist in refining your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Lastly, regarding long-acting injectable medications, there are several options available that can provide sustained relief from symptoms. These medications are typically administered every few weeks to months, depending on the specific formulation. Discussing these options with your psychiatrist may provide you with a more stable treatment regimen, especially if you are concerned about the daily management of oral medications.

In conclusion, your journey with simple schizophrenia is unique to you, and understanding your condition is a vital step toward managing it effectively. Continue to advocate for yourself in your treatment, maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, and seek support from trusted friends or family members. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support systems available to help you navigate these challenges.

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