I think it's important to note that a "thought disorder" is something that can happen occasionally to everyone. In Schizophrenia the thought disorder tends to last longer. There are other disorders in the Schizophrenic spectrum that fit the "sometimes" symptoms.

Stopping mid sentence is a thought disorder that many psychiatrists consider a very good indicator of Schizophrenia.

Jumbling words, is called word salad. Also a good indicator.

( It is not the same as thinking the right words and having different words come out of your mouth. )

Paranoid thoughts is a symptom.

I admit, I talk to myself. That is a symptom.

I'm sure if we went through everyone we could find a symptom that matches a majority of mental disorders.

Schizophrenia is a serious diagnosis. It's not something that can be diagnosed on one or two symptoms. It requires professional evaluation. Even so there are so many modalities of Schizophrenia, the diagnosis itself becomes mute.

When someone has symptoms that interfere with their ability to function on an interpersonal, personal and social level it becomes a problem that needs to be addressed.

There is a serious danger in diagnosing yourself. Often you will get locked into one idea, and change reality around to fit your diagnosis.

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As for Psychiatrists and public health workers in general--yeah their behavior can seem odd. Often you loose much optimism because you do have people that abuse and fake their way in.

I find an excellent way to keep myself from doing that is always keep two possibilities in mind. I know a lady who comes to the ER I work at at least once a week. Lately it has been everyday. At times she is able to answer cognitive tests perfectly.

I have on more than one occasion noticed she acts coherently, and then suddenly changes her expression and says "I don't remember" and fits the textbook definition of Dementia. That kind of behavior makes me consider the fact that she could be faking all of this in an effort to gain attention and from some physicians further her benzodiazepine and opiate addiction.

She has a history of being highly manipulative in the past, to feed her addiction. She is now at an age where dementia can be considered her problem. As such she gains FAR more sympathy from staff then if they thought she was a "drug seeker."

I find this is where the opinion drops in. If you are an optimistic person like myself you would first consider Dementia. It's the obvious answer. It evokes empathy and sympathy. If you are less optimistic you would be inclined to think she is a drug seeker.

It is time's like this you have to remember to keep your differential open. There is no way, bar her confession to determine if she is Psychotic, Demented, or a drug abuser. The bottom line is with either answer there is care and treatment to be provided.

This particular patient is very taxing because she had a habit of leaving Against Medical Advice when we do try to place her into long-term medical or psychiatric services.

The downside to all of this is that sometimes good people get treated bad. I'm sorry you went through that experience. I hope your new pdoc can help you understand that it was the exception not the rule.