I was wondering if it’s possible that I am in the prodrome of schizophrenia/ have deficit schizophrenia (as a new user I can’t put in a link, but if you look up deficit schizophrenia, the first link seems a good description).
I know that I should get evaluated by a shrink, but my pdoc refuses to entertain the notion that I might have/be in the prodrome of schizophrenia, even though I am displaying plenty of negative symptoms.
Basically, my pdoc thinks I’m just depressed, but I’ve been through tons of medications to no effect. My primary symptoms are avolition, anhedonia, cognitive difficulties (concentration, memory, etc.), and poverty of speech/thought. I’m also always tired. In addition, I’ve had a few fixed beliefs that my pdoc treats as obsessions, but which I have an incredibly difficult time penetrating/seeing though (very limited insight). Even when I say to myself that the beliefs are false, part of me (sometimes deep down) clings to the belief that they are true.
I also feel like I have a mildly altered perception of reality, but in a way that is nearly impossible to describe but which is nevertheless sometimes quite upsetting/disturbing. it almost feels like there’s a falseness/artificialness to my surroundings, but that’s not quite it either.
The thing is, even if that is what you have, medication for schizophrenia doesn’t do much for those symptoms.
You could try some of the supplements like l theanine, sarcosine, fish oil, b complex, vitamin D. Check with your doc about potential interactions with your meds.
Prodromal schizophrenia is very difficult to diagnose. Because of this, it’s rare that people who are diagnosed as “psychosis risk” are put on medication for this. Also, it’s very common that depression doesn’t get better with medication, and depression and negative symptoms are notoriously difficult to separate. Basically, your pdoc might be right not to entertain this notion, as it probably won’t change your treatment.
Don’t give up on the depression treatments by the way. And make sure you have a pdoc who won’t give up either. There are many kinds of treatments. There is a lot of research in this area.
@lostinthespace I know I don’t have most of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but I’ve had a previous depressive episode and it was nothing like what I’m experiencing now. I was almost a posterchild for what people expected from depression back then: negative, extremely sad, weepy, tired, sleeping 12+ hours, etc. Now I just feel like a withered, brain-damaged husk.
@twinklestars I’m aware that antipsychotics typically don’t help with negative symptoms. I’m just really frustrated with whatever is going on. I’m currently trying Zoloft+remeron+low dose abilify, I take b-vitamins and fish oil, and I’ve been investigating rTMS. No luck so treatment so far, but I’ll keep trying.
@Moonwalker I’m not scared of having sz, which actually surprised me. I just feel very confused and am trying to better understand my situation (whatever that situation may be).
@zeno hard to say. I have had what I know to be genuine depressive episodes (which felt different than this) before, but this current thing - maybe just under a couple years? But the cognitive stuff may have been going on for longer. It also feels like I’ve been deteriorating lately.
Could you clarify on the beliefs you were talking about that your pdoc referred to as obsessions? Right now I would agree with your pdoc that you likely do not have sz, especially if you have no family history.