I was diagnosed with schizophrenia last year after having a diagnosis of OCD since I was 17. The new diagnosis occurred after my first and only psychotic episode. It developed after coming off Seroquel which I had been on for 5 years at a dose of 800mg. It was for OCD with originally Anafranil (clomipramine) to augment its effects. I was changed to Tofranil after the Anafranil was unavailable. One of the side effects of Tofranil is false beliefs and it can make psychosis worse. I believe this, along with withdrawal psychosis from the Seroquel and lack of sleep caused by coming off it may have led to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia.

However since then I have come across a condition called schizo OCD which fits me as the OCD does tend to affect every aspect of my life and psychosis can occur. These are symptoms of OCD. I have always had obsessions and compulsions. I have to do things a certain number of times and like and do things in order. I feel I have to do the compulsions or bad things will happen. The thoughts appear from nowhere. But some are brought on by reading or watching something which reminds me of something I worry about. It is almost as if someone is putting the thoughts in my head because they can just appear. I have never been able to get over the OCD. What do other people think?

[*Laurie*]

I can't diagnose you, but from my experience I'm guessing you might have both schizophrenia and OCD.

[junkDNA]

sounds like the psychosis was from withdrawing from a high MG of seroquel. coming off APs rapidly can cause psychosis

[ofthevalley]

I would defiinately ask the Pdoc. I agree that coming off an ap can cause psychosis especially such a high dosage. Of course it could be both that's why it's best to talk to your Pdoc. I hope you get some answers.

[dwr3]

If your symptoms ocurred after going off a psychiatric med, you shouldn't be diagnosed with a condition based on it. It was a drug's side effect. They shouldn't diagnose people with psychiatric disorders based on how their mind reacts to chemicals.

Originally Posted by dwr3

If your symptoms ocurred after going off a psychiatric med, you shouldn't be diagnosed with a condition based on it. It was a drug's side effect. They shouldn't diagnose people with psychiatric disorders based on how their mind reacts to chemicals.

I know, but they do. I find it annoying. OCD has less stigma attached to it than schizophrenia so really I would hope the psychiatrist considered everything before making the diagnosis. I don't think he did. Not that I am hoping someone will say it's OCD just to alleviate the stigma, I don't think it is straight forward.