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Hello sadly79676,   Again, as with the other person who posted an "Ask" question, my eyesight is poor so forgive me I can't decipher the name you wrote, is it sadly79676?   You are not alone in what you're going through.   I understand how you feel about wha'ts going on, because it's not easy to come to terms with having a mental illness, especially a diagnosis of schizophrenia.  For many years I resisted my own diagnosis of schizophrenia with disastrous outcome: I went off my medication, and relapsed and had to be hospitalized again for two weeks.   A lot of times a person's diagnosis changes over time, so that is not uncommon.   Right now, no blood test exists to confirm a diagnosis of schizophrenia.  As you're aware of, the doctors make a diagnosis based on observable behaviors.  You've mentioned paranoia and delusions, and that would indicate that whatever you have [put aside the diagnosis for now] falls in the area of schizophrenia symptoms like psychosis.  Schioaffective is a combination of a thought disorder and a mood disorder.  Some symptoms become more prominent over the years, hence a change from a bipolar to a schizoaffective or schizophrenia diagnosis.   I suggest to deal with your ongoing issues related to your mental health, you join a support group.  Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI} at (800) 950-NAMI (6264) to find a local affiliate in your area that has a peer support group.   As well, you could write SharePosts here at SchizophreniaConnection.  Click on the blue "Connect" menu at the top of this page, and then click "Create a SharePost."   We are a welcoming community and everyone here will treat you with dignity and respect.  All of us know what it's like to live every day with schizophrenia.   Regards, Christina