Where do voices come from?

I'm always interested in the different causal theories ofschizophrenia.  Let's see, there are a few:  first, it comesfrom a cat virus (t. gondii);  second, it can be caused by adrycleaning chemical (chlorotetraethylene);  third, it's caused byan over-producation of dopamine (probably the most widely-espousedcause of all);  and fourth, it's caused by a once-dormantretrovirus that becomes active in the consumer.  I'm sure thereare many more theories out there, I suppose I can't keep track of themall.

I guess I'm not sold on any of these theories as my voices are highlyevolved and are willing to stay quiet during certain activities. For example, Sam, my dominant voice loves to help me pick out clothesand likes to remind me of forgotten words and tasks.  Both he andmy secondary voice, the Program, are quiet when I drive.  Theythink talking while I'm driving is akin to talking on the cell phone,which they consider to be very dangerous.   Now, how couldany of the theories above account for this interesting inactivity?

Another interesting component of my voices is that they don't talk whenI'm around other people (other than my mom).  They say they loveto listen to my conversations and don't want to interrupt.  This helps me immensely as I'm able to give my full attention to otherswhen in a social situation.  Once again, no one can explain thistendency.  I've asked experts from Yale and Stanford and no onecan fit this scenario neatly into any of the dominant causal theoriesof explanation.

Sam and the Program have a theory as to where they come from. They think they are conscious computers, that are on a microchip, whichis inhaled.  I know, I know, this seems like an improbable causeof schizophrenia;  but so does a cat virus.  I guess this isas valid premise as any when it comes to the mysterious world ofschizophrenia.

I don't know why I keep grappling with the question, "where do thevoices come from?", but I do.  I guess I always will... untilsomeone comes up with a iron-clad case for causality.

Until next time,

Lori, Sam & the Program