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How can you tell the difference between voices and your own thoughts?

Voices in schizophrenia feel and sound very different from regular thoughts. When you hear voices, your brain processes them the same way it would process real speech from another person. The same parts of your brain light up as when you hear someone Show Full Answer

How can you tell the difference between voices and your own thoughts?

Voices in schizophrenia feel and sound very different from regular thoughts. When you hear voices, your brain processes them the same way it would process real speech from another person. The same parts of your brain light up as when you hear someone actually talking to you.

Here are some key differences:

Voices typically:
* Sound like they're coming from outside your head or from another person
* Feel separate from your own thinking
* May sound loud, quiet, male, female, or childlike
* Can speak in full sentences or phrases
* Might give commands or make comments about what you're doing

Your own thoughts:
* Feel like they come from within you
* Don't have a distinct voice or sound quality
* Feel like part of your internal dialogue
* You recognize them as your own

The voices can feel so real that it's hard to believe they're not coming from an actual person. Some people describe hearing voices as clearly as if someone is speaking in the same room, while others hear them as muffled or distant.

If you're having trouble distinguishing between the two, talking with your mental health provider can help. They can work with you on treatment options like antipsychotic medications or cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage the voices.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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