Hi Phl,

One of the reasons that pdocs are not quick to diagnose with schizoaffective or schizophrenia is just what you articulated, that it is a diagnosis that will change how the world looks at a person. It is not something to be taken lightly and frankly is a diagnosis that evolves over time. You are too young to be given such a diagnosis. Like Pinksoil said, both bipolar and shcizophrenia are serious illnesses and should not be taken lightly. However, most important is how YOU look at you. Never mind the label--that is important for the pdoc so he can prescribe the right meds. What's important for you is to decide how you can manage your symptoms best so you can have a life despite the illness. My son has been diagnosed with "psychosis -nos" (NOS means not otherwise specified). He probably has some sort of schizophrenia, but we are not eager for this label and neither is he. He is working hard at getting his life together and finding a job. He is smart, a college graduate and I won't give up on him and pray he won't give up on himself. The point is Phil, a label doesnt mean you have to give up and generalizations about an illness are just that--generalizaions. They are not meant to describe any one individual.

Good luck to you, and keep trying!