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Suggest Treatment For Schizoaffective Disorder
Question: I have been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder by my psychiatrist. One of the symptoms he has discussed with me, after i mentioned what i experience at times, is what he terms religious preoccupation. What i confusing is that I am a devoted Christian so therefore my faith is central to my life, and i God is often in my thoughts. But since my doctor has said i have religious preoccupation i worry that none of my faith is real and that it isn't genuine and as i said i feel confused about it. How do i tell the difference between my own faith and what my doctor terms religious preoccupation? Does he mean something that is abnormal? like when i think strange thoughts?
Brief Answer:
It does not mean abnormality
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
In determination of symptoms associated with psychiatric illnesses there should be due consideration of social and cultural factors. What seems abnormal for a person may not be applicable for the other person.
Since you consider your belief as a normal belief so I think your opinion should be respected as long as there is no difficulty in doing routine activities. In case there is problem in functioning as per me the opinion of psychiatrist should be held in good respect
Having said this I think it is better if you can decrease emphasis on the term religious obsession as there is no right or wrong answer. In addition the presence of one symptom does not affect either diagnosis or treatment.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
It does not mean abnormality
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
In determination of symptoms associated with psychiatric illnesses there should be due consideration of social and cultural factors. What seems abnormal for a person may not be applicable for the other person.
Since you consider your belief as a normal belief so I think your opinion should be respected as long as there is no difficulty in doing routine activities. In case there is problem in functioning as per me the opinion of psychiatrist should be held in good respect
Having said this I think it is better if you can decrease emphasis on the term religious obsession as there is no right or wrong answer. In addition the presence of one symptom does not affect either diagnosis or treatment.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your previous answer and taking the time to answer my question. So to clarify. i gather from what you wrote that i may not have understood and that if a person is naturally inclined towards religion or often thinking about it, does not therefore mean it is related to the illness, or a manifestation of the illness?
Brief Answer:
Yes it is correct interpretation provided there is no functional impairment
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX.
Thanks a=for reverting back to me.
What you inferred from my answer is correct and there is no such relation exists provided the religious thoughts do not interfere with normal activity of individual.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Yes it is correct interpretation provided there is no functional impairment
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX.
Thanks a=for reverting back to me.
What you inferred from my answer is correct and there is no such relation exists provided the religious thoughts do not interfere with normal activity of individual.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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