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I deveoped schizophrenia at the age of thirteen. My condition deteriorated very rapidly. I remember the sudden onset of the illness quite clearly. I began to experience thought insertions at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 1956. Auditory hallucinations, paranoia, delusions of grandeur, and anxiety were some of the additional symptoms that appeared by the next day.
Oddly, I was quite fortunate that schizophrenia ran in my father's family, although my father was never affected. I was also quite fortunate that the deterioration in my condition was so reapid. My mother recognized the symptoms immediately. She sent me to school on Monday, which was disasterous. On Tuesday she took me to see our minister, which was even more disasterous. On Friday morning she took me to see my first psychistrist and on Friday afternnon I was checked into a private sanatorium and placed on medications.
My psychiatrist treated me with medications and therapy. We tried every new drug that was introduced over the following ten years (I was symptomatic over this entire period, but at my psychiatrist's insistance, attended high school and college.) until we found a combiantion of meds that worked for me. The therapy he provided would today be unguestionably characterized as cognitive behavioral therapy, even though this treatment modality was not deveoped until many years later. The net effect was that beginning at age thirteen (and begining over 50 years ago) I received remarkably early intervention and was provided with what today would be called best practice treatment. The consequences of all this is reflected in my SchizophreniaConnection Profile.
For years I have been looking for anyone my age (67 years), or even 20 or 25 years younger, who has been fortunate enough to receive similar treatment.
If anyone that reads this has received such early intervention and treatment, or anyone knows someone that has, I would like to compare notes.
Robin Cunningham
ALSO: Look for my blogs on SchizophreniaConnection.
In an odd way
I read some of the articles of Jani (January) Schofield. It made me both laugh and cry. It was very touching. In spite of being born with sz, she has an IQ of about 146. It seems her best therapy was her activities and the information that she gets from them. I found that to be very interesting. I would also suggest that she do her best to ignore her (imaginary) "friends", even not believe they are there. That seems to be the best way to get rid of them.
Hello ,
My name is De'Jah I am 15 in the 9th grade. A couple of days ago my English Honors teacher assigned the class a I Search project we would like. I chose Schizophrenia because I am very interested in this topic and also my uncle has schizophrenia and he has been diagnosed around the time I was born. Even though I know some things about this topic, I don't know much. I was wondering would you help me out with three to four questions . Could you help me please ?
1. How are children diagnosed with Schizophrenia and what are the signs at such a young age?
2. Are there certain types of Schizophrenia, and if so, are some worse then others?
3. Can Schizophrenia be cured and if it's not how can you prevent some of the symptoms?
4. Is it safe for an Schizophrentic to live by themselves or take care of themselves?
Thank You,
Dejah J.
Hello,
A psychiatrist would have to evaluate a child to determine if a young person has SZ. Some symptoms would be hearing voices, acting in a bizarre way and being unable to sleep, being paranoid and having delusions.
It is important a medical exam be taken as well to rule out another medical condition that could present with these kinds of symptoms.
The course of treatment for anyone with schizophrenia is life-long medication, therapy as needed, and this treatment should occur as soon as the person exhibits symptoms so that the person has the best possible outcome. Delaying treatment for longer than a year can result in loss of brain functioning. The earlier a person gets treatment, the better the potential they have for a full, productive life.
Going to work or doing volunteer work or going to school are all excellent ways to reduce the impact of the disability of SZ. (SZ is schizophrenia).
I'm 45 years old and was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was 22 in 1987. I have lived on my own in my own apartment for most of my adult life. Indeed self-reliance and independent living and having something productive to do every day are the most important goals for a person diagnosed with schizophrenia.
At this time there is no cure for SZ. When a person diagnosed with SZ finds the medication that works it is possible they will not have symptoms any more. Some people even though they take medication will experience symptoms that range from mild to severe.
People with SZ who do not take their minds often wind up a lot sicker or homeless or otherwise unable to function.
I hope this helps with your report.
Regards,
Christina
Lastly:
You can read more schizophrenia basics by clicking on the link I gave you in this sentence.
Two types of schizophrenia are paranoid schizophrenia and undifferentiated.
Regards,
Christina
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I started cutting myself at 8 and having delusions at 10 and hearing satanic voices at 11, but I was not diagnosed until I was in my mid 30's. This is because I chose not to reveal any of my symptoms -- I thought they were because I was "bad." Or sinful. I wish there had been mental health screenings at my school, but of course there weren't. And as a child I didn't know what else to do but be quiet about it. As a teen I was suicidal and depressed. As an adult, I became manic and rode that high for a while till I crashed again. Then I really went "off the deep end" with sz because of an abusive marriage situation.
When I finally saw a psychiatrist, I was relieved and wished I had done it much sooner. I feel I wasted a lot of years and a lot of relationships by being paranoid.
Now, I am doing great because of Zyprexa and antidepressants. I am feeling better than I ever felt in my life. I am moving on, moving out from my mom's house to my own place, and am seeking spiritual direction from an appropriate source.
Thank you for your post.
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
What a shame your early years were so difficult. It's an inspiration that you now see life in such a positive way. Thanks for sharing your story.