Daniel’s story:
Daniel is 21 years old. Six months ago, he was doing well in college and holding down a part-time job in the stockroom of a local electronics store. But then he began to change, becoming increasingly paranoid and acting out in bizarre ways. First, he became convinced that his professors were “out to get him” since they didn’t appreciate his confusing, off-topic classroom rants. Then he told his roommate that the other students were “in on the conspiracy.” Soon after, he dropped out of school. From there, things got worse. Daniel stopped bathing, shaving, and washing his clothes. At work, he became convinced that his boss was watching him through surveillance bugs planted in the store’s TV screens. Then he started hearing voices telling him to find the bugs and deactivate them. Things came to a head when he acted on the voices, smashing several TVs and screaming that he wasn’t going to put up with the “illegal spying” any more. His frightened boss called the police, and Daniel was hospitalized.
Lorilor, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: February 02
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia one year ago. I swore my friends were hidden in a room in my boyfriend's house where I live. I knew in my head they were all out to get me and so was my boyfriend. He had no clue I was sick and thought I was messing with him. It was a terrible time for me, so I started drinking and doing a lot of drugs. This made it worse. I moved into a motel and heard these people in the next room; they had followed me. I spent 12 days yelling at the walls. If I would leave the motel they would follow me. Sometime after I moved back with my boyfriend. The voices got worse now my mother was the voice and my best friend of 30 years. Eventually I was hospitalized court ordered so I couldn't leave. Today one year later I am finally voice free. I take Zyprexa every day. I only hope that people don't have to go through what I did. I was anorexic because I never slept nor ate. I am 95 percent better with medicines and a psychiatrist.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia one year ago. I swore my friends were hidden in a room in my boyfriend's house where I live. I knew in my head they were all out to get me and so was my boyfriend. He had no clue I was sick and thought I was messing with him. It was a terrible time for me, so I started drinking and doing a lot of drugs. This made it worse. I moved into a motel and heard these people in the next room; they had followed me. I spent 12 days yelling at the walls. If I would leave the motel they would follow me. Sometime after I moved back with my boyfriend. The voices got worse now my mother was the voice and my best friend of 30 years. Eventually I was hospitalized court ordered so I couldn't leave. Today one year later I am finally voice free. I take Zyprexa every day. I only hope that people don't have to go through what I did. I was anorexic because I never slept nor ate. I am 95 percent better with medicines and a psychiatrist.
John, 25-34 Male (Patient) Published: July 08
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was 26. I became more religious and politically active. I even considered myself as the only true prophet, and Moses and Jesus Christ at different times. The delusions went off as soon as I started medication. I am still struggling with negative and cognitive symptoms.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was 26. I became more religious and politically active. I even considered myself as the only true prophet, and Moses and Jesus Christ at different times. The delusions went off as soon as I started medication. I am still struggling with negative and cognitive symptoms.