is postpartum psychosis the same as schizophrenia?
370613
No. Postpartum psychosis/depression is experienced by some mothers after giving birth, it has to do with insecurities,the way she looks after the pregnancy, after giving birth, jealousy over the father of the baby, anxieties on raising the baby, etc. Schizophrenia is split personality, which can affect anyone, especially the ones who had a very bad experience as a child. Most causes of schizophrenia can be traced back to childhood.
23505
Yes I did.  I wish more people knew that people with schizophrenia are not violent people, not usually.  It's actually very rare.  People with schizophrenia are just people who are tormented by hallucinations that are caused by a chemical imbalance.
244284
I work with Adults with mental illness. I am also raising 2 of my siblings with it. My father on the other hand is a schizo. I am not and neither are any of my siblings. Though they do have Bi-polar, Mild mental retardation, add, adhd. I told my doctor this before my husband and I first started to try and she told me to take a high dose of Folic Acid. I am 9 weeks pregnant. I feel fine about the decision. \nSchizophrenia can be heridiry. You will not see signs of it until the teenage years. Those of them with it that show signs in the teenage years have a better chance of responding to treatment than those that show symptoms in the 20's.
480446
I used to work with people with schizophrenia who were recently discharged from the state hospital and now I am a 4th year clinical psychology grad student.  I would love to give you some interesting (deidentified) cases, but I don't feel comfortable leaving my e-mail here.  You can contact me through my profile.
206766
The DSM-IV (Psychology's diagnostic guide) has this as the diagnostic criteria:\nSchizophrenia\n\nA.  Characteristic symptoms:  Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month perior (or less if successfully treated):\n   (1) delusions (beliefs/thoughts that seem real, but are not true)\n   (2) hallucinations (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling things)\n   (3) disorganized speech\n   (4) grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior\n   (5) negative symptoms (i.e. affective flattening, alogia, or avolition)\n\nNote:  Only Criterion A symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices convering with each other.\nB.  Social/occupational dysfunction:  For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset\nC.  Duration:  Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least 6 months.  This 6-month period must include at least 1 month  of symptoms (less if successfully treated) that meet Criterion A and may include periods of prodromal or residual symptoms.  During these prodromal or residual periods, the signs of the disturbance may be manifested by only negative symptoms or two of more symptoms listed in Criterion A present in an attenuated form (i.e. odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experience).\nD.  Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion:  Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder with Psychotic Features have been ruled out\nE.  Substance/general medical condition exclusion:  The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substnace or a general medical condition.\nF.  Relationship to a Pervasive Developmental Disorder:  If there is a history of Autism or other PDD, the addional diagnosis of Schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least one month.\n\nThere are 5 types of schizophrenia:  Paranoid type, Disorganized type, Catatonic Type, and Undifferentiated type.
1026637
My shrink thought I have it but still deciding..... Sigh (I really would like to know or at least be able to be aware! There are A WHOLE WHOLE WHOLE lot of different types and options so you really cannot just say Schizophrenia.
36634
The word "schizophrenia" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims made in certain peoples answers here. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "schizophrenia" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD (Neurologist, Pediatric Neurology), & Fellow at the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSymptoms that psychiatry labels as "schizophrenia" (or it's related disorders), can stem from any number of variable sources. Many people have overcome disorders such as "bipolar" and "schizophrenia" through effective megavitamin therapy and effective nutrition. A growing wealth of evidence supports that underlying nutritional deficiencies can cause even the most severe mental disorders, including "schizophrenia". [1,2,3,4,5,6] \n\nYou may also be interested to know that the work undertaken by pioneers such as Dr. Lars Martensson and the late Dr. Loren Mosher show that there is also another way - far safer and more effective than psychiatric restraint, drugs and electro-shocks. For over a decade Loren R Mosher, MD, held a central position in American psychiatric research. He was the first Chief of the Center for Studies of Schizophrenia at the National Institute of Mental Health, 1969-1980. He founded the Schizophrenia Bulletin and for ten years he was its Editor-in-Chief. He also led the Soteria Project, which demonstrated that effective rehabilitation is possible without harmful antipsychotic drugs. Soteria provided a safe and sane environment where schizophrenic patients could stay, medication-free, with a young, nonprofessional staff trained to listen to and understand them and provide companionship. The idea was that schizophrenia can often be overcome with the help of meaningful relationships, rather than with drugs, and that such treatment would eventually lead to unquestionably healthier lives. The results were fantastic. Over just 6 weeks, patients recovered as quickly as those treated with medication in hospitals. [7,8] \n\nBottom line? Psychiatry is a belief-system, a "faith", not a science. Despite the huge marketing strategies, the so-called "research" and all the propaganda thrown at the world, there is not one iota of scientific evidence that proves that "schizophrenia" or ANY mental illness, in fact, exists as an actual --medical disease--.\n\nIf you have been told differently then know this: You have been lied to.\n\nFor more information, please visit:\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda\n\nSee also http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#S
779411
It doesn't sound like schizophrenia to me.  Sounds like a personality trait that might have been helped by her stress of growing up with an unreliable and unsupportive father (because of his illness).
4725
It depends on the disorder. Schizophrenia is much more likely to develop in someone whose parent(s) had it, as is bi-polar disorder. You may want to talk to a pshychologist and get a professional opinion if it's present in a lot of family members.
1144354
Psychosis: Any severe mental disorder in which contact with reality is lost or highly distorted\n                          (or)\nPsychosis is a loss of contact with reality, typically including delusions (false ideas about what is taking place or who one is) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things which aren't there). \n\nOverview, Causes, & Risk Factors\n\nPsychosis is a severe mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality.\n\n\nPsychosis Diagnosis & Tests\nPsychological evaluation and testing helps to pinpoint the exact diagnosis related to the psychosis.\n\nLaboratory or radiological testing is usually not helpful. However, sometimes such tests can help to pinpoint the exact diagnosis. This may include:\n\nMRI of the brain \ntests for syphilis \ndrug screens
1169620
The diagnosis could be differentiated from other known psychoses by a characteristic abnormality in eye pupil reflexes, and, eventually, the development of muscular reflex abnormalities, seizures, memory impairment (dementia) and other signs of relatively pervasive neurocerebral deterioration. Although there were recorded cases of remission of the symptoms, especially if they had not passed beyond the stage of psychosis, these individuals almost invariably suffered relapse within a few months to a few years. Otherwise, the patient was seldom able to return home because of the complexity, severity and unmanageability of the evolving symptom picture. Eventually, the patient would become completely incapacitated, bedfast, and die, the process taking about three to five years on average.
166728
There is no known single cause of schizophrenia. Genetics play a huge part.  Statistically if a parent has the disorder their children have a 10% chance of developing it.  If one identical twin has schizophrenia the chances for the other twin jump to 40-50%.  Another cause can be where the fetus did not receive enough nutrients from the mother leading to the brain not developing properly.  Viral infections also play a role in the disorder.
204795
The word schizophrenia is less than 100 years old, but the illness has probably accompanied mankind through its history. Schizophrenia can be traced in written documents to the old Pharaonic Egypt, as far back as the second millennium before Christ.
65625
I have never heard this idea before, so I don't have any real answers for you...just wondering if you really mean people with schizophrenia (and if so, what type?) or if you mean DID?
130282
The word "schizophrenia" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims made in certain peoples answers here. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "schizophrenia" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD (Neurologist, Pediatric Neurology), & Fellow at the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSymptoms that psychiatry labels as "schizophrenia" (or it's related disorders), can stem from any number of variable sources. Many people have overcome disorders such as "bipolar" and "schizophrenia" through effective megavitamin therapy and effective nutrition. A growing wealth of evidence supports that underlying nutritional deficiencies can cause even the most severe mental disorders, including "schizophrenia". [1,2,3,4,5,6] \n\nYou may also be interested to know that the work undertaken by pioneers such as Dr. Lars Martensson and the late Dr. Loren Mosher show that there is also another way - far safer and more effective than psychiatric restraint, drugs and electro-shocks. For over a decade Loren R Mosher, MD, held a central position in American psychiatric research. He was the first Chief of the Center for Studies of Schizophrenia at the National Institute of Mental Health, 1969-1980. He founded the Schizophrenia Bulletin and for ten years he was its Editor-in-Chief. He also led the Soteria Project, which demonstrated that effective rehabilitation is possible without harmful antipsychotic drugs. Soteria provided a safe and sane environment where schizophrenic patients could stay, medication-free, with a young, nonprofessional staff trained to listen to and understand them and provide companionship. The idea was that schizophrenia can often be overcome with the help of meaningful relationships, rather than with drugs, and that such treatment would eventually lead to unquestionably healthier lives. The results were fantastic. Over just 6 weeks, patients recovered as quickly as those treated with medication in hospitals. [7,8] \n\nBottom line? Psychiatry is a belief-system, a "faith", not a science. Despite the huge marketing strategies, the so-called "research" and all the propaganda thrown at the world, there is not one iota of scientific evidence that proves that "schizophrenia" or ANY mental illness, in fact, exists as an actual --medical disease--.\n\nIf you have been told differently then know this: You have been lied to.\n\nFor more information, please visit:\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda\n\nSee also http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#S\nand http://www.webcom.com/thrive/schizo/
425059
It typically begins in early adulthood; between the ages of 15 and 25. Men tend to get develop schizophrenia slightly earlier than women; whereas most males become ill between 16 and 25 years old, most females develop symptoms several years later, and the incidence in women is noticably higher in women after age 30. The average age of onset is 18 in men and 25 in women. Schizophrenia onset is quite rare for people under 10 years of age, or over 40 years of age.
234903
The following are some of the definitions of schizophrenia I found on the web:\n\nDefinitions of schizophrenia on the Web:\n\nA mental illness in which the person suffers from distorted thinking, hallucinations, and a reduced ability to feel normal emotions.\nwebcenter.health.webmd.netscape.com/content/article/45/1663_51211\n\none of the most complex of all mental health disorders; involves a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain.\nwww.frankfordhospitals.org/healthinfo/adult/mentalhealth/glossary.html\n\nA mental disorder lasting for at least 6 months, including at least 1 month with two or more active-phase symptoms. Active-phase symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. Schizophrenia is accompanied by marked impairment in social or occupational functioning.\noas.samhsa.gov/MentalHealthHP2010/terminology.htm\n\nA group of severe mental disorders characterized by disturbances of language and communication; thought disturbances that may involve distortion of reality, misperceptions, delusions and hallucinations; mood changes and withdrawn, regressive, or bizarre behavior, lasting longer than six months.\nwww.snowdenmentalhealth.com/glossary.mgi\n\nYou can go to the website listed below to see more definitions.\n\nAfter reading all the definitions, maybe you will come to a conclusion as to why schizophrenia is considered a disorder.  If you don't see that is it a disorder, maybe you suffer from this disease.