[Psychotic_Phil]

My doctor thinks that I have schizophrenia, because I made a case for it. And somewhere it does fit. But i can't exclude my depression in the clinical picture. My Major Depressive Episode, my lingering low self esteem, (which for me is like milder depression) and no residual impairment. If I were schizophrenic/schizoaffective I would be residually impaired. Not the case. Plus the psychosis comes in waves and short episodes, which isn't very schizophrenic. I've deluded myself for a long time, but now I realize that I have a mood, and not thought disorder. Who knew that the crummy Dr. Hall was right? Except that I've never had a manic episode...

How do I convince my doc to take me off the Geodon and Cogentin and stay only on the Prozac? This is a turning point in my eventual diagnosis. It's not surprising though. My dad is bipolar and his cousin has major depression. Also, his grandfather might have been bipolar. I have a moody family history, not a psychotic family history.

Help?

[Perna]

Point out your family history like you did here? Are you doing better on the Geodon and Cogentin? I wouldn't necessarily mess with it if you're doing better.

[ECHOES]

Go to your doc and be completely honest and upfront about what you think.

You don't have to convince him of anything because taking meds is up to you, not him. You have a different perspective now and that's okay.

Tell him you wish to start fresh, what to try a different approach.

I remember you felt strongly about your diagnosis. Now you feel differently and that's okay. You've tried this approach and meds, you've learned something from it and that's success!

[Psychotic_Phil]

That's good advice. And I think that if I'm right, either way I need some sort of anti psychotic and antidepressant.

[sunrise]

Just be honest with him and tell him what you've told us. It all sounded very reasonable! I think the best doctor-patient relationships are when the two work together as a team, even on meds. See if he is OK with your just wanting to try just the AD for a while. If it doesn't work out, you can go back to additional meds. But it is good to have your pdoc monitoring you during all meds changes.