Friday, May 15, 2009 grace asks

Q: Hi im only 17 and I have many of the symptoms of schizophrenia. voices, sleeping disturbances, a fee

Hi im only 17 and i have many of the symptoms of schizophrenia, voices, sleeping disturbances, paranoia, a greater feeling of self importance etc. I however have not had social withdrawal and I have good relationships with all my friends. When I went to see a counsellor she said I may just have an over active imagination and not to worry.

I dont really know what to think.

I'm not really satisfied because i'm aware that schizophrenia generally gets worse in 20's and 30's without treatment so i am scared.

The symptoms have started to die down over the last year when I relalized that I may be sick and began to block the voices. Does this mean I may be able to recover without treatment? or will it get worse?

Thanks

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Answers (2)

Christina Bruni, Health Guide

5/16/09 8:00am

Hello grace,

If you are hearing voices, please get help. Your parents' health insurance may cover the cost of the treatment, or you may be able to find help at a clinic with a sliding fee scale that takes a fee based on your income level.

95 percent of the people who truly have schizophrenia need medication to be able to function in the world. The longer you go without treatment, the more likely there will be irreversible damage.

Regards,

Christina

David Robbins

5/15/09 4:52am

My first "voice" and "psychotic break" happened when I was 17. I got help relatively fast..about 2 months.

Keep an eye out for symptoms. If you have them, seek help. The faster you get help the easier it will be.

Write a journal so you can keep track of symptoms and it will help you see where and what the symptoms are.

I wish you the best.

Dave

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Q: Hi im only 17 and I have many of the symptoms of schizophrenia. voices, sleeping disturbances, a fee

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