January 2nd, 2010! A new year and Loads of new info on the way!!!!!

Well, it is a new year, and I am so glad to be in 2010.  I have a lot in store for you all, more information about schizophrenia, how to survive it, my personal isuues, as well as research being done in the field of mental illness, specifically, schizophrenia.  I took the day off yesterday, as I took time to reflect on what i would be accomplishing this coming year, also dealing with some issues of stress that are up and coming, and I will share this all with you as time goes on.  I hope that you are all safe, healthy, and getting better every day!  It is no easy task when it comes to the issue of schizophrenia, and I plan to tackle each issue one by one this year, right here, on They Schizophrenia Daily.... I hope you will continue to read this, as I really want you all to get the most out of what is said here.  Considering that this mental illness is so compelling in many ways, so misunderstood in many ways, and also so very tragic in some cases, I have a big task ahead of me, however, I am ready to take on the challenge.  I want to thank you for reading this blog, as I appreciate all of you who are taking time to read this, hopefully every day.  I will be happy to answer any questions, or listen to any concerns, as I have a lot of information and compassion and passion concerning this issue, and mental illness and wellness in general.   I wish everyone a safe and bountiful new year and also aim for wellness.  Thank you again and I will see you  tomorrow- Erica

New Years Eve.... We celebrate in our own way...well, most of us do!

SO, Today is the big day...well, the BIG NIGHT, actually...New Years\'s Eve!  2010 is right around the corner, actually, at the time I am writing this, Australia is 1 hour and 45 miinutes away from the BIG MOMENT.  Here in the earstern United States, we are 17 hours and 14 minutes away from 2010!  Either way, all around the world, celebrations abound for this grand event that has become customary in most countries all around the world.  Parties, alcohol, dancing, music, hats, and horn-blowers.... all of the things that go along with this big night.  For those of us with schizophrenia, however, this night can be overwhelming...Not because it will be 2010 (although for some it may be), but because many of us living with this illness do not take part in these festivities.  Believe me, there are many of us who wish we could, and many of us who are lonely at this time.  Why?  Well, for starters, generally speaking, many of us with schizophrenia have a hard time with crowds and parties. Not only that, many of us have a hard time finding friends in the first place, and many do not want to, or are just plain unable to. Social phobias are a BIG deal when it comes to schizophrenia for many people.  Anxieties run high, memories may flood in of the year (especially if someone has had a particularly difficult year), alcohol is not something that is advisable when on medication, and, well, many of us do not want to leave our homes.  Obviously, not every schizophrenic has this/these issues, however, the general consensus I have received from fellow schizophrenics is, "I am staying home tonight".  This is how I feel.  For starters, I do not want to go into a crowded place by myself, subjected to an abundance of alcohol, and the noise...well, I just can't take the noise level.  Not to mention I was not invited anywhere, though if I were, I would not be attending, and would kindly decline the invitation. No, for me, I will be ringing in the New Year most likely at 5 or 6 a.m., 2010. I usually do not sleep later than 9p.m., occasionally a little later, but because of the routine I have set for myself and need to properly function, I require this much needed sleep, not to mention that the medication tends to make me sleepy.  regardless of this fact, New Year's Eve to me is difficult because previous to becoming stuck with schizophrenia, I used to love this night.  Getting all dressed up, going out to a function, or a bar, possibly a house party.  I enjoyed stying up late, mingling with folks, and just having a "good time".  Nowadays, it is quite different for me. I stay at home, have missed the famous New York City "Ball -Dropping" for several years now, and, well basically, I am set to my routine and get nervous even thinking of deviating from it.  Maybe this year, I will be able to see the ball drop, but it will be in my living room, with my mother, who lives with me.  My father is out of town for the grand event, as he still loves the "Big Night".  For me, however, I am happy to have my cup of coffee, decaffeinated of course, well, maybe I will have some caffeine tonight....woohoo! I will be happy to be reading, watching something on the science channel, or even an old movie.  I am sure I will try to catch some of the festivities on television, should I make it that long.  Point being, New Year's Eve is just different for me, and yes, I am happy to start off a new year, and also hope my progress continues as it has been this 2009.  As I reflect, mildly, on the past year, I am thankful for my stability, my treatment plan, and my continuing progress living wioth schizophrenia.  Tonight, I will be so happy to know, I am at home, doors locked, and without the pressure to socialize, as this is difficult at best for me.  I hope that as you share in this night of renewal, you keep in mind that living with schizophrenia does not stop because of holidays.  If you feel more comfortable at home, then do so. Do not put yourself in a situation that can increase symptoms, create stress or harm.  If you happen to be lonely, remember, you are not the only one who feels lonely at this time of the year, and although it is not easy, it WILL be okay.  Tomorrow will be 2010, Jan.1st , and we should all be thankful to be here on this great mother Earth, and grateful we are living.  Schizophrenic or not, I wish all a safe, happy, healthy, prosperous, hospital-free year and may all of your dreams come true in this new year. If you do drink, DO NOT drive. If you drive, DO NOT drink. And most of all, have a great NEW YEAR!!!!!!

The Difference Between Schizophrenia and Psychosis...and types of Schizophrenia

Hello everyone. Today I will be discussing the difference between Schizophrenia and Psychosis.  I am explaining this via the excellent resource: "Diagnosis Schizophrenia": A Comprehensice Resource, which is an excellent place to find out about schizophrenia,as well as hear others feelings about their bout with schizophrenia. 
O.K. So, the difference between schizophrenia and psychosis is this: Schzophrenia is a type of psychosis, whereas Psychosis is a general term to describe psychotic symptoms. 
Psychotic symptoms include: confusion; inability to think clearly; rapid thoughts that are hard to follow; inability to pay attention or concentrate; disorganized behavior; hallucinations (hearing voices, smelling certain odors that are not actually present, absence of stimuli); extreme fear caused by a strong belief that you and your life in in imminent danger, though reasoning behind this belief is not found...and several more symptyoms as well. 
Several disorders of the brain can lead to the presence of psychotic symptoms. Some include strokes, tumors, illegal drug use, and infections.  People who are elderly may develop psychosis who have dementia. Those afflicted with BiPolar Disorder may also become psychotic.
Many psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, may display the same symptoms, and include these psychotic symptoms.
Types of Schizophrenia include:
- Paranoid type (which is the type I have been diagnosed and live with), which display frequent audiotory or one or more delusions.
- Disorganized type, which displays disorganized speech and behavior, and flat, inappropriate affect.
- Catatonic type, which displays extreme motor immobility; purposeless, excessive motor activity; inappropriate pghysical postures; and repeating words or behaviors. ( Now, I will say that I also display(ed) some of these symptoms or sihnals as well, especially the repeated words, behaviors, as well as excessive motor activity.  However, my paranoid type symptoms and behaviors are/were more prominent, there fore the diagnosis of PS).
- Undifferentiated type, which meets the general category of schizophrenia but does not fall into any of the other types (many people may fall into this category, in my opinion, based on what I have learned in talking to others afflicted with schizophrenia).
- Residual type, in which, one or more episodes of schizophrenia have occurred in the past, however, the current illness is essentially negative symptoms and mild positive symptoms. (I want to comment on this type: after being on medication, many will seem to fall into this category, as the medication (anti-psychotics, etc) begins to work, the negative symptoms still seem to occur, as well as bouts with mild positive symptoms.  However, the diagnosis you receive is when you are not on medication, and you have that type of schizophrenia, however, after medication, time, and therapy, you may find youself feeling you belong to this category, however, were you to stop (which is like suicide) taking your meds, you would end up back in your original category of diagnosis).
There is also Schizophreniform Disorder.  Meets all the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, except for duration of the symptoms is displayed. (DS:ACR). This means if the symptoms have been displayed over one month, yet less than six months, then this diagnosis is generally made. Should the symptoms last longer than a period of six months, then the diagnosis of schizophrenia is made.
There is also SchizoAffective Disorder. This can be a difficult diagnosis to determine. The person must meet all of the criteria for schizophrenia and have significant mood symptoms. ( I am very familiar with this diagnosis, as my son has been diagnosed with this disorder).  Also, the fact that the psychotic sysmptoms are not caused by the mood symptoms also must be determined.  Careful history is taken here.
Tomorrow, I will discuss, among other things, schizophrenia versus mood disorders, such as BiPolar disorders. 
On a personal note, I have had a medication change. Yesterday, I began my new medicine, as I also have a co-diagnosis of ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and working with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) diagnosis possibility as well.  The med change was for ADHD.  I will be discussing in my other blog on blogspot, http://www.mentalillnessawareness.blogspot.com/ the differences between ADHD/ADD and the medications Adderall and Ritalin, as well as the non-stimulant, yet generally less effective, medication.  So, I experienced some schizophrenia symptoms, as the medication seems to assist in quelling some of my negative as well as positive symptoms of my paranoid schizophrenia.  I am today feeling better, as I know I did not blog yesterday due to several things, but am finding this new med working well. If you need to contact me about schizophrenia, please feel free to do so...my email is listed on here!!!! Til tomorrow-

Schizophrenia Treatment - The Basics

Okay... So we have schizophrenia.  Now what??? What is the treatment? Is there a cure?  How can we cope with this?...
When people experience first-episode schizophrenia, (as well as schizo-effective disorder) there is a high response to medication treatment.  Most get substantially better with this treatment, while others have at least some improvement. 
Most people are treated via hospitalization for the first time.  Though it may be an unpleasant experience, it is a sfe place to be.  Generally, the psychiatrists will interview you to get a clear picture of your symptoms.  Then comes the medication.  Since there are side-effects associated with most all medications for schizophrenia, this is usually monitored closely.  This is so the doctors can adjust as necessary.  It generally takes some time for the symptoms to be controlled adequately.  Once you are feeling better and the psychiatrist feels it is time, you will be discharged.  Hospitalization treatment length varies from person to person. 
Once you are discharged, you have the option, which is highly recommended, to join a day program.  This gives you treatment as an outpatient.  These programs assist you in resuming your life.  You will also need to have a psychiatrist, especially for medication management and continuation.  Some hospitals may assign you a case manager, who is someone that will assist you with any problems you may have after discharge, including assistance with disability options, living arrangements, etc.
Once you leave the day program, you need to continue to see your psychiatrist, and also a therapist in many cases, however, this will be less frequent than when in the day program.
Most people experience some improvement within a couple of weeks upon the start of medication treatment.  Just give the treatment time to work and do not get discouraged if it takes some time.
The medications for the treatment of schizophrenia are called anti-psychotics, and are not addictive.  These medications assist in balancing the chemicals in the brain that are causing symptoms.  There is no cure for schizophrenia at this time.
Much research is being done at a rapid rate on schizophrenia and finding a cure.  Approximately 1% of the world's population lives with schizophrenia.  It is a serious mental illness, and should never be taken lightly.  As time goes on, many people who get proper treatment, follow through with their personalized therapy program, and continue medication, feel better and better, as well as more in control of their illness.

*Some of this information was compiled from the following resource: "Diagnosis Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Resource",by Rachel Miller and Susan E. Mason.  My thanks go out to you for such a wonderful book.  If you are interested in purchasing this book, the cost is $21.95USD

Dreaming and Schizophrenia

Hello all... I wanted to talk about dreaming when it comes to schizophrenia.... I don;'t know about "regular" dreamers out there, but it seems to me that dreaming while living with schizophrenia is an interesting thing.  I say thi because last night I had a dream, within a dream, within a dream.  and it all had to do with when I was in psychosis.  It was like reliving the psychosis all over again.  But I was dreaming, aware I was dreaming, and in my awareness of my dresm, the dream I was in I was also aware that I was in a dream .  A ream, within a dream, within a dream.  Anyway, my point is, when a person has schizophrenia, sleep is important, as for others as well, as it is the time when the brain sorts itself out, discards useless information, and organizes.  When you do not get enough sleep, or are under stress and anxiety, like many with schizophrenia are, you begin to seee signs of symptoms recurring.  That being said , back to dreaming.  I was re-living some of the issues I experienced while in psychosis, and I was aware that I was dreaming this, and I was "watching" myself in psychosis, and it was scary.  I was sure that It was a dream, as I must have been half awake, and I also got very little sleep, so I was having issues in the night.  You see, I have come to learn that at certain times of the night, my brain, in particular, goes through a particular process.  There is the organizing process, then the, what I call, the "reel" process, which is this never ending continuous tape recorded like part of my brain that repeats things over and over again.  So I have come to learn that my brain is almost like a circular rainbow.  Each layer does something different, simultaneously.  I know, I know, this all sound confusing, and in later posts, I will try to explain them in better detail.  But for now, what I am getting at, is during sleep, these "rings" of my brain are processing all sorts of information, and I hear songs from out of nowhere, then I hear a commercial maybe, or just a word here or there, etc.  I DO NOT hear these things during the daytime, except for the continuous"reel" of music, which in my mind there is always a song playing, and it could be anything.  So I have like a personal MP3 player in my head, expcept that sometimes it is the same song over and over again, which can be annoying. However, sleeping with schizophrenia is essential for all of the brain processes to function, as I believe we need more organization than that of a "normal" brain.  Dreaming, also helps us to organize, analyze, understand, and more, our thoughts, deepest feelings, fears, etc., and also I am certainthat dreaming bring out issues and feelings we do not experience in our daily awakened schizophrenia life.  This may be due to the fact that the issues are too frightening so we avoid them, it could be medication, I am unsure, as i am still researching this topic.  Reagrdless, just know that sleep, and dreaming are essential for especially the schizophrenic brain.  I will post more on this issue.