Does Schizophrenia Exist?

Yes, you and I know "it" exists, but schizophrenia is hard to define.  I think you are right in saying that perhaps it is not a division and grouping of symptoms that is needed, but a treatment of each symptom.  I know in my own case, an antipsychotic helps silence the voices and another cocktail of meds holds depression at bay, while mood stabilizers did not help at all.  And of course there are not only symptoms but mild, moderate and severe cases, and those cases that fluctuate over time.  I can see where the professionals have a hard time agreeing on a certain set or sub-set of symptoms for everyone who has schizophrenia.

Carolyn

I know from the last 28 years living with my husband that it DOES exist.  You would only have to stay with him for a few hours and they you would know.  There needs to

be more research done and more meds aimed at getting rid of the paranoia that goes with it.  RIght now, my husband thinks the tv hears and sees everything we do.  He goes to a mental health clinic every month to see the counselor and every 3 months to see the doctor but he is so paranoid he won't even tell them what is going on and he won't let me go.  I could go on forever about this but I know from personal experience that it does exist and someone would just have to live with someone to realize it.  He is 65 and has been having problems with paranoia and sz since the age of about 19.  He got a general discharge from the army when he should have got a medical one....so he can't get any VA help so insurance is hard to get especially life insurance for him.  I guess they think he is so mixed up he might try suicide.  The doctors and the public need to get real about this and do something NOW.