Hi runner0o,

Why don't you talk with a T at your university about what you have said here? They are a great resource, go in and talk with one about what you said here! If you feel uncomfortable in saying more than a word or two, maybe you could print a copy of what you just said here, and hand that to your uni's T.

If you're unwilling to go to a T ~ then I can't really think of anything to help you get through this 3 year pattern. I have attached some information on schizophrenia to help answer your Q on whether or not this diagnosis is in your future. In my opinion, you really should see a T to relieve yourself of worries and find out what you can do to get back into the groove in communicating.

Tests and diagnosis... By Mayo Clinic staff

When doctors suspect someone has schizophrenia, they typically ask for medical and psychiatric histories, conduct a physical exam, and run medical and psychological tests and exams. These tests and exams generally include:

Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), other blood tests that may help to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, screening for alcohol and drugs, and imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.
Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will check mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance abuse, and potential for violence or suicide.

Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia

To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must meet the criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions.

Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders and determining that symptoms aren't due to substance abuse, medication or a medical condition. In addition, a person must:

Have at least two of the common symptoms of the disorder — delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or presence of negative symptoms for a significant amount of time during one month
Experience significant impairment in the ability to work, attend school or perform normal daily tasks
Have had symptoms for at least six months
There are several subtypes of schizophrenia, but not everyone easily fits into a specific category. The five most common subtypes are:

Paranoid. Characterized by delusions and hallucinations, this type generally involves less functional impairment and offers the best hope for improvement.
Catatonic. People with this subtype don't interact with others, get into bizarre positions, or engage in meaningless gestures or activities.
Disorganized. Characterized by disorganized thoughts and inappropriate expressions of emotion, this type generally involves the most functional impairment and offers the least hope for improvement.
Undifferentiated. This is the largest group of people with schizophrenia, whose dominant symptoms come from more than one subtype.
Residual. This type is characterized by extended periods without prominent positive symptoms, but other symptoms continue.