Some positive outlook for me.

[|tera|]

Hi guys,

Those that know me know that I was diagnosed in 2005 as being Schizophrenic.

I have been seeing a Psychologist since last month and after the first session she already said I have a mood problem coupled with my problems. The second session after discussing a couple of things, we talked and she believes I am likely to have Schizo-affective disorder. It's hard to diagnose this condition, but I will find out definitely the week after next week.

The positive outlook with Schizo-affective is that the long-term prognosis is better than with Schizophrenia. The unusual tendency with most patients are as well, if you take meds, you are basically 100 percent normal.

I got this info among other info from my support group and I thought it worthwhile to share for those in future that need it:

Schizo-affective disorder is a mood disorder which consist of some symptoms which are consistent with schizophrenia and some which are associated with another mood disorder (such as depression/bipolar etc). Usually there will be episodes of psychosis (paranoia/hallucinations/delusions), alternating with episodes of the mood disorder (depression/mania/mixed episodes).

The causes for this disorder are largely unknown, but it has been determined that there is a strong family link. Its difficult to diagnose because of the overlap with the other disorders.

It can be very well treated, usually with antipsychotcs, mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Providing those who have the disorder take their medicine every day there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't lead a completely normal life. It is advised that you steer clear of alcohol/street drugs etc.

From a friend:

At the end of the day, it's just another name (the new diagnosis). As has already been said, the prognosis is actually better with schizo-affective disorder, and that is a strong positive! Trust the process, and maybe keep a diary of your thoughts, and how things develop. Record your current response to the meds, and how things improve or otherwise over the next few weeks. This will help with directing your treatment effectively.

Thanks,
tera

 

[Happy Camper]

Hey Bro

A close friend of mine is a diagnosed schizophrenic, he runs a mailing list for support, if you need to be on it (just for support, inspiration and company) please PM me and i will let you know the details.

 

[|tera|]

Hey Bro

A close friend of mine is a diagnosed schizophrenic, he runs a mailing list for support, if you need to be on it (just for support, inspiration and company) please PM me and i will let you know the details.

I am on that list That's where I got the info I pm'd you a while back

 

[Happy Camper]

Sorry man my memory is not what it used to be.

The owner of that list and i hook up regularly for media swops and chats n ****, if you're in the JHB area you are more than welcome to join us sometime, usually on a wknd afternoon. All good bro ++

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Good stuff, teraside. I'm fairly new, so I'm not clued up about your story, but it's good that things are looking better.

 

[|tera|]

Sorry man my memory is not what it used to be.

The owner of that list and i hook up regularly for media swops and chats n ****, if you're in the JHB area you are more than welcome to join us sometime, usually on a wknd afternoon. All good bro ++

I'm a bit far from GP, but I appreciate the invite

Good stuff, teraside. I'm fairly new, so I'm not clued up about your story, but it's good that things are looking better.

Thanks OrbitalDawn (wow, a mouthful ). I appreciate it.

The thread is just started for information purposes mainly. The info on Schizo-affective disorder is really hard to digest by the average person, so I appreciate the assistance from my friends on the SABDA group for their help in having it more understandable.

 

[TipsyTart]

Strangely, I think of you often since i have been here, very glad that things are looking so positive. it can only mean good things. Soldier on.

Hehehe, not a stalker!!!

 

[Ekstasis]

@teraside, I just want to encourage you by saying I'm not worried about you in the least.
Yes you have a medical condition with a support group and meds to help you. I also know, from what I've read about your convictions, that you know for certain where your real help is .

 

[Picard]

What's the meds your on.

My brother is also on meds for behavioural issues.

Actually he's got a high pressure job with a girlfriend that's high maintenace and abusive to boot. Maybe that's the reason for his disbehaviour.

But then again he's been schizophrenic (or at least has had mood swings to the point of having different personalities since before his job.

 

[satanboy]

Good luck dude.

 

[|tera|]

Strangely, I think of you often since i have been here, very glad that things are looking so positive. it can only mean good things. Soldier on.

Hehehe, not a stalker!!!

Thank you, I appreciate your support

@teraside, I just want to encourage you by saying I'm not worried about you in the least.
Yes you have a medical condition with a support group and meds to help you. I also know, from what I've read about your convictions, that you know for certain where your real help is .

Thank you Ekstasis, I appreciate that some Christians do understand that I need Psychological help, doctors and medication. We can't just expect God to heal us, without using His healing methods. Although I will never be healed, I will be better.

What's the meds your on.

My brother is also on meds for behavioural issues.

Actually he's got a high pressure job with a girlfriend that's high maintenace and abusive to boot. Maybe that's the reason for his disbehaviour.

But then again he's been schizophrenic (or at least has had mood swings to the point of having different personalities since before his job.

Schizophrenia is not MPD, Multiple Personality Disorder. I don't have more than one "me". I have perceptional issues with society, reality and the list goes on. Being Schizo-affective means I have traits of Schizophrenia as well as an Affectiive (Mood) condition.

People with Schizophrenia don't generally have a mood condition, which is where the diagnosis was made that I might be Schizo-affective.

I use Zyprexa Anti-Psychotic and Tegratol mood stabilizer which is anti-epileptic as well as other things.

Good luck dude.

Thank you

 

[MickeyD]

Sorry man my memory is not what it used to be.

I can hook you up with an Alzheimer's Support Group! (joking - but my wife tells me the same thing!)

@tera: great to hear that you are progressing well. Hang in there! Vasbyt en alle beste wense...

 

[Kornhub]

Cool,stay positive.

 

[wrathex]

You are not alone, from schizo-e to bipolar, I walk like a bandy-brained lass up and down the path of cerebral mania, no longer caring for the taste of common reality. Enjoy your ability and sharpen your awareness, for are we not, in the end, the fortunate ones to live in such a precarious and passionate state of conscious consciousness.

 

[biometrics]

You are not alone, from schizo-e to bipolar, I walk like a bandy-brained lass up and down the path of cerebral mania, no longer caring for the taste of common reality. Enjoy your ability and sharpen your awareness, for are we not, in the end, the fortunate ones to live in such a precarious and passionate state of conscious consciousness.

Tera, as heksie says (imo), maybe we're nuts, not you!