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Can I be Schizophrenic?

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I am 26 years olad and having a terrible fear that I could schizophrenic. I have such irrational thoughts. Mostly when I am alone. I hate to be alone because this is when I get them. I am a single mother and have been through a lot. My father died unexpectedly when I was 14. He was an alcoholic and now my daughter's father who I have been on and off with for 9 years is a drug addict and I get extremely stressed out.
Anyway, I sometimes feel so paranoid that I am going crazy. I think that if I leave my daughter in her sunday school class she may not be there when I go back to get her or if I am driving down side streets and a car is turning all the same ways I am that they may be following me. I could be shopping with family and if I lose them in the store, I won't find them and that I must be crazy. When I have paranois thoughts and feelings, I know they are irrational and silly, but I almost feel like I have become obssesed with them and have to check things to be sure I am sane. What could be the problem? I am seeing a counselor now.


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replied April 5th, 2006
Schizophrenia Answer A667
People with schizophrenia are not aware of their condition. Therefore, it doesn't seem likely that you have schizophrenia because you wouldn’t be able to write this letter. Schizophrenics live in their own world full of mad thoughts and false perceptions (hallucinations)... in which they believe strongly. Schizophrenia is a very difficult and serious psychotic disorder to cope with that must be treated. Some patients with schizophrenia are hospitalized or under constant care. It is possible, however, that you are suffering from a neurotic disorder (anxiety, panic or obsessive thoughts). You can visit a psychiatrist to help identify and treat a psychological disorder.
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