[CellarDoor9191]

Hi, I’m 17, I have been diagnosed with being anorexic by my doctor, (not anorexia nervosa) I’m just under weight I don’t want to be, but my doctor says it’s from stress. He said that I could be depressed but that’s only my age.

My worry of Schizophrenia comes from me having feelings that don’t suit where i am. il try to explain. About a week ago i couldn't talk for a brief period, around 5mins i would try but the words just wouldn’t come out, it was very strange. I was with my girl friend who become worried as i was acting strange shortly before, (talking quickly and not making much sense.) this feeling of not being able to talk was like something was in control holding me back. (like I was shouting out in a library or somewhere where I would usually feel anxious to shout out ). Also I am often feeling scared like something is behind me, and I HAVE to check behind my back. I’m not looking for anything really i just feel like I have to see what is there or something will happen because I didn’t check. I often don't feel like other people are really there talking to me I just blank them out like their not even there but sometimes objects in the room are there like people. They have a presence like someone in the room. I often feel my chair in my room is actually looking AT me. It’s tough to explain what is happening.

I don’t know if this means anything or not.

[Eleora]

So you've been diagnosed with schizophrenia or you think you might be schizophrenic?

It sounds like your having negative symptoms, and some minor positive ones. Disorganized speech is definitely something that is often a part of schizophrenia. The rest I'm not quite sure. Honestly, talk to your doctor about it... I don't think this would be a strong enough case for a diagnosis, honestly, but it could be early onset for all I know.

"He said that I could be depressed but that’s only my age."

Can you explain a bit more what he meant by that? Affective disorders basically rule out schizophrenia because the symptoms are contradictory of each other. If you do have depression then it's highly unlikely you also have schizophrenia unless you were diagnosed incorrectly. Dysphoria is different and can be linked with schizophrenia.

If you do have depression there are multiple possible explanation for schizophrenic-like symptoms. Schizoaffective disorder, depression with psychotic features, etc.

Have you already mentioned these worries with your doctor? If you don't feel confident with your doctor's services or you aren't comfortable with him then don't be afraid to look elsewhere for help or a second opinion if you think it's warranted.

[CellarDoor9191]

Hi thanks for the reply,

No, I haven’t been diagnosed with Schizophrenia I’m only concerned that I might be, or something similar like u suggested. When you say that it isn’t a strong enough case, is it likely then that I am not schizophrenic?

"He said that I could be depressed but that’s only my age."

My doctor basically said that I couldn’t be depressed at this age because its just part of growing up? I don’t really understand this.
No, I haven’t told my doctor any of the worries I have had. I have told a member of my family about this and they said that they think its link with my having almost no emotion a times, and my lack of interest with other people. I can agree with this, I see it in myself. It does drives my mother mad.
I can’t hold conversations for very long either, sometimes and get distracted by noises like a bird singing or something. So I lose my way in a conversation and often seem to be ignoring people. I don’t mean to its just very often my thoughts just get scatted and very often I find it hard to decide what to say. I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently and it is really starting to cause concern:\
.
I am unsure whether any of this is strange behaviour or not?

[Eleora]

I said it's not a strong case, but I don't know your psychological background and I am not a doctor but my guess would be that it's probably not schizophrenia.

If you're doctor said that he could have either been an ***/ignorant/old school or he may think what you're feeling is just a normal amount of pressure and reaction based on your age group and associated stressors.

Lack of concentration or focus could be many different things. It isn't "strange behavior" but it isn't entirely normal. If it's interfering with your life then it needs to be addressed.

I think you need to consult with your doctor about the things you are worried about. If you think your doctor isn't someone you'd like to see anymore then don't be afraid to try for a second opinion.

[PsyChris]

I'm not sure I would put your symptoms into the psychological category yet. The kind of transient expressive (or non fluent) aphasia could be indicative of neurological pathology. In other words you should mention these periods of being unable to speak to your doctor. This transient aphasia could also be a symptom of nutritional deficits from your anorexia.

Are you receiving any kind of treatment?

The paranoia you describe is common. At some point in time we all have these feeling of paranoia. If you feel like they are intense enough to be impairing your ability to function (or sleep) talk to your doctor about a referral to a therapist.

I think that you should make a list of your goals and priorities for the next few months. Rank order them and then decide what actions you will take to fix them.

[Jesster13]

hmm...