MySchizophreniaTeam2

Do people with schizophrenia experience unusual pain symptoms?

The search results provided don't specifically address pain symptoms in schizophrenia. The information available focuses on the main… read more

Do people with schizophrenia experience unusual pain symptoms?

The search results provided don't specifically address pain symptoms in schizophrenia. The information available focuses on the main symptom categories:

Positive symptoms include:
* Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things)
* Delusions (false beliefs)
* Disorganized speech and thinking

Negative symptoms include:
* Reduced motivation
* Social withdrawal
* Flat emotions
* Difficulty with daily activities

Cognitive symptoms include:
* Memory problems
* Trouble concentrating
* Difficulty making decisions

While pain isn't mentioned as a typical symptom, it's worth noting that schizophrenia can affect how people perceive and experience their bodies. If you're experiencing unusual pain symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they could be related to medication side effects, other health conditions, or need separate evaluation.

Your healthcare team can help determine what's causing any pain you're experiencing and find the right treatment approach.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

What can you do to help your daughter with drug-induced schizophrenia who refuses treatment while planning for her future care?

Your love and concern for your daughter are clear, and you're facing an… read more

What can you do to help your daughter with drug-induced schizophrenia who refuses treatment while planning for her future care?

Your love and concern for your daughter are clear, and you're facing an incredibly difficult situation. You're not alone in this struggle.

Since you're already her conservator, you have legal authority to make medical and care decisions for her. This is an important tool, though using it for involuntary commitment is understandably a hard choice.

Here are some options to consider:

* Talk with a mental health professional or legal expert about your conservatorship options and what involuntary treatment might look like
* Explore integrated dual-diagnosis rehabilitation programs that treat both substance use and schizophrenia together
* Look into assertive community treatment programs, where a team of medical professionals can provide in-home care
* Consider coordinated specialty care programs if available in your area
* Create or update a psychiatric advance directive that outlines her treatment preferences for when you're no longer able to advocate for her

For planning ahead, you might also:

* Connect with social workers who can help arrange long-term care plans
* Research community-based housing programs for people with schizophrenia
* Explore setting up a special needs trust to protect the house and provide for her care after you're gone Taking care of yourself matters too. Caregiving at 80 is exhausting, and your well-being affects your ability to support her.

Consider joining a caregiver support group where you can connect with others who understand. Organizations like NAMI offer support groups and education programs specifically for families dealing with schizophrenia.

You're doing your best in an impossibly hard situation. Providing housing doesn't make you an enabler—it shows you care about her safety. The key is finding the right balance of support and boundaries, with professional help guiding the way.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Can memory loss and identity awareness be affected during a schizophrenic episode or psychosis?

Yes, memory and identity awareness can definitely be impacted during episodes of psychosis in… read more

Can memory loss and identity awareness be affected during a schizophrenic episode or psychosis?

Yes, memory and identity awareness can definitely be impacted during episodes of psychosis in schizophrenia. Let me break down what you might experience:

Memory and Cognitive Challenges:

During episodes, you may have difficulty with:
* Using new information immediately after learning it
* Learning and remembering information
* Focusing and paying attention
* Processing information to make decisions

Identity and Self-Awareness:

A very common part of schizophrenia is something called anosognosia, or lack of insight. This affects between 50 to 98 percent of people with schizophrenia. When you're experiencing this, you may not recognize that anything is wrong or that you're having symptoms at all.

During psychotic episodes specifically, you might feel:
* Confused about what's happening around you
* Like your thoughts are hazy, foggy, or difficult to grasp
* Difficulty telling what's real from what isn't

How Others May Notice:

Often, friends and family notice changes before you do. They might see confusion, dramatic behavioral changes, or that you seem to have withdrawn from your usual activities.

The good news is that cognitive function can be measured by healthcare providers, and early treatment with medication and therapy can help manage these symptoms. If you're experiencing memory loss or confusion during episodes, it's worth discussing with your healthcare team so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

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How can you help your boyfriend who stopped his schizophrenia medication and doesn't recognize he has a problem?

It's really tough when someone you care about stops their medication and doesn't see… read more

How can you help your boyfriend who stopped his schizophrenia medication and doesn't recognize he has a problem?

It's really tough when someone you care about stops their medication and doesn't see they need help. What you're describing — him not recognizing there's a problem — is actually a symptom of schizophrenia called anosognosia. It's not stubbornness; it's that his brain makes it hard for him to recognize his own condition.

When someone stops their antipsychotic medication, symptoms often return or worsen. Sometimes people initially feel better after stopping because side effects go away, but then the symptoms come back.

Here are some ways you might help:

Approach with care:
- Try to have calm, non-confrontational conversations when he seems more receptive
- Avoid arguing about whether he has schizophrenia
- Focus on specific concerns like "I've noticed you seem more isolated" rather than "your symptoms are worse"

Encourage professional support:
- Gently suggest talking to his doctor or mental health team
- Offer to go with him to appointments if he's willing
- If he's in crisis or a danger to himself or others, seek emergency help

Take care of yourself too:
- Supporting someone with schizophrenia can be emotionally draining
- Consider connecting with support resources for families and loved ones
- Set boundaries to protect your own well-being

Remember, you can't force someone to take medication or accept treatment, but your support and patience can make a difference.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

Are people with schizophrenia dangerous?

No, people with schizophrenia are not automatically dangerous. This is one of the most common myths about the condition.

Most people with schizophrenia never… read more

Are people with schizophrenia dangerous?

No, people with schizophrenia are not automatically dangerous. This is one of the most common myths about the condition.

Most people with schizophrenia never act violently. In fact, they're more likely to harm themselves than others.

Research shows that when you compare people with schizophrenia to others in the same age group, they're not necessarily more violent. The small increase in risk that some studies have found is mostly linked to people who have both schizophrenia and substance use disorders.

What about psychosis episodes?

While hallucinations and false beliefs can sometimes make people act unpredictably, this doesn't mean they're dangerous. If someone is experiencing psychosis, staying calm and using gentle communication can help keep everyone safe.

It's important to remember that younger people in general tend to have higher rates of violence regardless of any diagnosis. Many studies don't account for these age differences when comparing people with schizophrenia to the general population.

The bottom line: Having schizophrenia doesn't make someone a dangerous person.

MySchizophreniaTeam2

What causes schizophrenia and how does someone develop it?

There isn't a single cause of schizophrenia. Instead, it likely develops from a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences… read more

What causes schizophrenia and how does someone develop it?

There isn't a single cause of schizophrenia. Instead, it likely develops from a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and brain chemistry changes.

Genetic Factors:

While schizophrenia isn't inherited like eye color, having a family member with the condition does increase your risk. However, many people diagnosed with schizophrenia don't have any family history, so genes don't tell the whole story.

Environmental and Life Factors:

Several environmental influences may increase risk:

- Childhood trauma (neglect, bullying, loss of a parent)
- Drug use, especially starting at a younger age
- Living in urban areas
- Long-term stress
- Moving to another country

Pregnancy and Birth Complications:

Certain issues during pregnancy or birth can raise risk:

- Early birth or low birth weight
- Lack of oxygen at birth
- Mother's exposure to illness (like flu) or high stress during pregnancy
- Inflammation during pregnancy that may affect brain development

Additional Risk Factors:

- Being born in late winter or early spring
- Having an older father (over age 50)
- Immune system problems or certain autoimmune conditions
- Brain structure differences, including lower levels of gray matter

Brain Chemistry:

Imbalances in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that help nerves communicate) may also play a role.

It's important to understand that having these risk factors doesn't mean someone will definitely develop schizophrenia. The condition is complex, and these factors work together in ways scientists are still studying.