Suggest Treatment For Schizoaffective Disorder While Being A Hypochondriac

Posted on Mon, 6 May 2024

Question: Hello, I recently went to the doctor for an unrelated issue and mentioned that I have a history of bipolar II. When I left, I noticed on the printout of my records that the doctor said I have schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. I researched what this could mean, and I am very confused. I don't think I'm delusional; I don't think I'm Jesus or Napoleon, the government isn't out to get me, etc. At worst, I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, and I have OCD, as well. Friends and family joke that I can be paranoid, but it's far more "Man, I don't want to get in trouble with my boss!" so I go out of my way not to get in trouble or make waves with people. Once again, the government is not out to get me. I don't think I hallucinate at all save for once when I was feverish with the flu. The only symptom I identify with is disordered thinking, as I have a habit of jumping quickly from subject to subject. I'm successful at my job (not just passable, but successful). I have room to grow, but I work hard toward my goals. I am well-known for being a very expressive, animated person (almost to a fault), so thst's not right, either. I don't understand what this diagnosis could mean as I've never heard of it before. What should I do? I'm scared that my life must be a lie, now. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Psychologist K. V. Anand (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Don't panic. Get second opinion

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for the question. I can understand.

Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of certain symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorder and could include depression or bipolar disorder. These symptoms could occur at the same time or different times. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, depressed episodes and manic periods of high energy. These symptoms could be severe or mild depending on the circumstances and the episode itself.

I hope you might have gone through the literature of the schizoaffective disorder with an affinity to bipolar. You can assess yourself. As long as you think you do not have two or more of the following symptoms please do not panic or worry.

The symptoms include:

1. Racing thoughts, delusions, thought disorder, false belief of superiority, suicide thoughts etc

2. Hallucination, depression, psychosis, paranoia, hearing voices etc

3. Hopelessness, anxiety, limited range of emotions, mood swings, loss of interest in activities

4. Changes in the appetite patterns or frenzied speaking

5. Impulsivity, restlessness, self harm behavior, suicidal ideation

You have mentioned clearly that you do not have any of those symptoms. Do make sure on that aspect.

If you do not have any of these symptoms, please do not panic. The diagnosis could be false one.

I suggest you to take some online schizoaffective disorder test and confirm. You may also consult a psychologist for assessment.

Till then don't worry and don;t panic.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng