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So, I have schizoaffective disorder (schizophrenia and depression), and I was wondering if it's possible for anyone with schizophrenia or schizoaffective to hide their disorder from their family, friends, and therapists/psychiatrists. For me, I was able to hide it for three days and then I was sent to the hospital.
| Yes, it is definitely possible. | 6 | |
| No, it is definitely not possible. | 12 | |
| Possible, but unlikely. | 12 | |
| You have to be a psychiatrist to do so. | 2 |
Yes, its possible if the symptoms are mild or you are medicated. I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and aspergers long ago and have complied with my medications for years and I barely have psychotic symptoms anymore and can act normal until someone really gets to know me. Schzio spectrum disorders are highly treatable.
Probably shouldn't hide it from your therapist. Were you diagnosed in the hospital of by a previous psychiatrist?
I was diagnosed by multiple hospital psychiatrists and my outpatient psychiatrist.
Your best course of action is to treat your schizophrenia. Why do you hide it?
A lot of times I try to act as normal as possible because I feel ashamed of the disorder.
I understand somewhat. I have OCD. Don't get me wrong I'm sure it doesn't compare but because of it I don't feel like I can live a normal life. I get obsessive thoughts. They're often horrible things I've imagined or certain images that play over and over. I've never told my therapist about them but she knows I have them. Your therapist should know you have schizophrenia because that's the only way someone can treat you.
I understand. My outpatient psychiatrist was thinking of diagnosing me with traits of OCD, but I know that doesn't compare to the full disorder. I get ruminating thoughts, too.
I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with my therapist knowing my issues. We talked a bit about the voices I hear, and how to deal with them.
Feeling shame is so painful. Have you tried a support group? Hearing other people's stories and getting advice and support from other people with mental illness is extremely helpful.My son has a serious mental illness and felt stigmatized when his classmates found out. Contact NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) 800-950-6264. They have amazing resources and will help you. Take care!
Have you watched the movie "Beautiful Mind"? It's about a guy who was overcoming schizophrenia, and it was actually based off of a true story.