Disorders and Other Such Things

[JPS]

Have you been formally diagnosed with anything mood- or personality-related?

If so, explain.

General opinions on psychological disorders and accounts of people you know are also welcome.

 

[Grayman]

Not officially.

Schizoid pops up on personality disorder test a lot.

 

[Ex-User (9062)]

You suck white paint out of artifial robotic breasts, i have sucked the black milk from the breasts of my mother.

What can you say about me?

 

[JPS]

You suck white paint out of artifial robotic breasts, i have sucked the black milk from the breasts of my mother.
What can you say about me?

I have no idea, but here's some Prozac.

 

[Ex-User (9062)]

Continue your brainwashing programming.

 

[JPS]

Continue your brainwashing programming.

Are you espousing the idea that 'disorders' are yet another construct used by society to 'normalize' its constituents, hence making them all equally thoughtless and productive? That we as a psychological community have gotten into the habit of medicating what we can't explain? If so, I can't entirely disagree.

General opinions are indeed welcome, after all.

 

[(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

narcissism

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

I've got so much that I don't know what to say or where to start.

*goes into reactive mode*

 

[Cavallier]

I sometimes wonder if I'm the only INTP to never get counseling, to never have taken a psychiatric evaluation, or to never have taken prescription drugs for mood.

I feel left out.

 

[StevenM]

After taking a really high dose of (supposedly) MDMA, I heard voices for awhile. A short treatment of APs cleared this up.

Much later in my life, I was pretty delusional, (or lovesick, manic, I dunno).
I also had a couple weeks of really bad neuroleptic akathisia and delirium, with deep depression setting in.
I did get that cleared up with benzodiazepines, but after taking them for over 6 months, I was physically dependent on them. After rapidly detoxing, I went through 7 months of withdrawal, which is almost identical to having GAD. During this whole process, I've suffered many panic attacks.

Since then, I have pretty much made a full recovery. I'm only on crumbs of an AP, which my psychiatrist says he's confident I don't need. I'm only staying on because I feel I need to stabilize my environment more before taking a couple more small steps down.

 

[Ex-User (9062)]

Yes, but it goes further than that.
Techniques being used on the vulnerable and defenseless will be used on the general population sooner than later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEXs3RspWyU&feature=player_detailpage#t=86

 

[QuickTwist]

I have problems, but not as many as THD. But yeah, we have the same thing.

 

[Jennywocky]

Have been officially diagnosed and treated for both Generalized Depression and Generalized Anxiety, among a few other things I don't feel like mentioning.

... but I'm not crazy.
(Not that much.)


I never went for treatment until probably my early 30's, but I was suffering some pretty intense depression and anxiety all my life, to the degree I was manifesting some Avoidant symptoms as well while still being functional and able (barely) to hold down a job. Treatment actually did help.

Also had a crappy experience with Effexor. I hated it, and I had to try to wean myself off it twice before I managed to break free of it the second time after enduring six weeks of brainless hell.

 

[TBerg]

I have seriously considered these while going through my development:

Schizoid
Schizotypal
NPD
OCD

 

[Hadoblado]

Manic depression.

 

[TBerg]

Manic depression.

This, too.

I forgot.

 

[Prion]

Have you been formally diagnosed with anything mood- or personality-related?

If so, explain.

General opinions on psychological disorders and accounts of people you know are also welcome.

Not formally, no.

If anything though, it would be narcissism, for a general feeling of superiority to most people, self importance, narcissistic fantasies, and a slight lack of empathy. I usually score high on online narcissism tests.

But I'm not complacent (if anything, I'm pedantic and worried about what other people think), irresponsible, completely self obsessed, hateful towards others, or dangerous to society. The fact that I sometimes worry about being a narcissist probably indicates that I'm not one. Also, I recall hearing that a mild narcissism during adolescence is normal.

I think I'm getting better though. My feeling of superiority no longer causes me to act aloof or antisocial. I am becoming more approachable, and my sort of "intellectual sadism" that made me admire guile and think deceiving someone is amusing has died down...slightly.

 

[Hazel]

Where do we start.... mm
-obsessive compulsive disorder (my entire life)
-severe depression (for 3 or 4 years; 5 years ago)
-anxiety issues, bipolar thing too, a brunch of all...
I also have trouble with attention, sleeping, etc; but I guess thats a INTPs thing haha.

 

[RandomCh33se]

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Attention Deficit Disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Turrets Syndrome (though this had almost completely disappeared).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (I have a heightened sense of anxiety).

I also know many maannnyy individuals who wouldn't hesitate to call be insane. It usually is more of an assumptive and emotionally-based observation with little structured thought put into it.

 

[ana]

i was formly diagnosed bipolar
but it has been changed to
major depression
PTSD
although, if i diagnosed myself id say BPD and PTSD are the more likely
as well as i have an undercover eating disorder

 

[durd141]

I'm schizoid and like half psychopath...

 

[Teax]

I'm schizoid and like half psychopath...

Oh good news, I have your other half *dum-dum, tss*

but seriously, who cares what some ESFP thinks is abnormal. just because shizoid sounds like a disease doesnt make it so. I (probly) am and like shizoids.

and can an INTP really have attention deficit disorder??
I think an INTP would be automatically ADD about everything except the few things that catch the INTP's interests.

Psychiatry today tries so hard to find a way to sell you unnecessary medicine...

 

[Reluctantly]

I've not been formally diagnosed as schizoid, but I know I am one; I don't think a psychologist could diagnose me anyway because I'd lie to them, present the facade that makes me somewhat normal. I'd play off their cues. And then I'd think they were dumb to begin with. But I don't see the point in someone learning tidbits about me and making silly generalizations just so I can say someone formally diagnosed me with this or that. They'd have to show they were at least intelligent on some level, capable of getting to know me outside of an office, and show a general unbiased curiosity for how I come to understand reality. Good luck finding that and I imagine if I did, they would be more than a psychologist.

I'm schizoid and like half psychopath...

Schizoid can be pretty similar.

but seriously, who cares what some ESFP thinks is abnormal. just because shizoid sounds like a disease doesnt make it so. I (probly) am and like shizoids.

ESFPs actually like me for the most part. My mannerisms and personality seems to be interesting and relatable to themselves. ESFJs on the other hand have problems with my morbidity and overall detachment from the group. So I'm not sure what you mean. Maybe you'd like to specify the problems you've had.

 

[Teax]

Maybe you'd like to specify the problems you've had.

I wouldn't call it a problem =) i guess i shouldn't have pinned this on that poor ESFP, it's more of a general issue

 

[durd141]

Schizoid can be pretty similar.

I'm definitely a schizoid, but I can also be cunning/manipulative if I really want to, and I don't really have any remorse/feelings. So I guess that kind of makes me half psychopath. Or something along the lines of that.

I always score above 50% on online psychopath tests.

 

[idokaiho]

Hold on, is schizoid actually relevant to INTPs? I can see it being deemed a disorder from a more extroverted perspective but aren't we just naturally inclined to often appear to be expressing schizoid behaviors? Any type behaving like another type is pathological.

 

[Teax]

Hold on, is schizoid actually relevant to INTPs? (...) aren't we just naturally inclined to often appear to be expressing schizoid behaviors?

my point exactly when I read the definition of shizoid it reads like a personality profile for an INTP. thus my conclusion was that this was simply an unenlightened view of phychology, not an actual disease.

 

[Reluctantly]

Hold on, is schizoid actually relevant to INTPs? I can see it being deemed a disorder from a more extroverted perspective but aren't we just naturally inclined to often appear to be expressing schizoid behaviors? Any type behaving like another type is pathological.

What are you suggesting then? It sounds like you're saying INTPs share the same behavior as Schizoids, but have different motivations.

 

[idokaiho]

I was looking up the definition to make sure I was confident with what I said and found this on Wikipedia:

Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, and apathy. Affected individuals may simultaneously demonstrate a rich, elaborate and exclusively internal fantasy world.[1]

...

Some psychologists argue that the definition of SPD is flawed due to cultural bias: "One reason schizoid people are pathologized is because they are comparatively rare. People in majorities tend to assume that their own psychology is normative and to equate difference with inferiority". Therefore "[t]he so-called schizoid personality disorder is one of the more blatant examples of the APA’s pathologizing of normal human differences."[3][4][5]

However some of the more extreme schizoid traits I found I don't think are common in INTPs. Schizoid behaviors certainly cause problems but I think that it's not usually a mental health concern.

 

[Reluctantly]

^ Yeah, there's question over whether or not some people have a nature that relates to schizoid traits (arguable as an INTP personality, for example), but the problems seem to be when taken to an extreme, then it can be a mental health concern, I suppose. But I wasn't sure what you meant; thanks for clearing that up.

 

[The Grey Man]

I sometimes wonder if I'm the only INTP to never get counseling, to never have taken a psychiatric evaluation, or to never have taken prescription drugs for mood.

I feel left out.

Naw, same here.

 

[idokaiho]

Me too, although I often wonder if I should. Whenever I think it's a good idea I later don't have the same sentiment. I don't know how many people I'd have to go through before I found someone I could trust or if I would even find someone I could trust. I also don't know how much money that would take just to find them and then subsequently pay for continued sessions. Maybe someone that's been through this process could elaborate.

The dominant question I face in regards to whether or not to see a psychologist is, "Can't I just do it myself?" - by learning more about psychology and applying that knowledge. However some INTPs from this forum have definitely swayed me a bit more towards the option of seeing a psychologist.

 

[Teax]

^^^^^ I'm doing it myself if it kills me. In fact it's partly the reason I joined this forum. there's no Psychologist in "self-impovement"...

 

[idokaiho]

I have this strong desire to rely on myself especially when it comes to navigating abstract ideas. I love figuring things out for myself but I don't want my hard-headedness to lead me astray. Or to look back in the future and regret my solitary path.

 

[StevenM]

So a person exhibits these characteristics:

- Lack of social relationships
- Living solitary
- Secretiveness
- Coldness and apathy towards others
- Rich, elaborate internal fantasy world

I'm just wondering if one can sustain that way, and still be healthily functioning.

I mean, I would imagine that there is bound to be secondary consequences that follow, such as loneliness, dread, depression, as well as some development of irrational paranoia of people. Living in your own fantasy world most of the time is bound to create some delusional thinking towards how the real world actually is, (especially towards the emotional and social aspects of reality).

Just saying, because I'm sorting through all this personally myself. People are all living these interpersonal lives, and I thought I knew what it's all about, but after some recent circumstances, it does turn out that I'm very slow, underdeveloped, and retarded when it comes to relating with people.

Now I'm wondering to what extent has irrationality permeated into my beliefs and thoughts.

 

[Teax]

I have this strong desire to rely on myself especially when it comes to navigating abstract ideas. I love figuring things out for myself but I don't want my hard-headedness to lead me astray. Or to look back in the future and regret my solitary path.

I have the same desire for independance, and went out of control a couple of times... Yet now I consider the past a valuable lesson, woudn't have it any other way, and now have trust in my ability to course-correct. which is exactly the role I see a Phychologist in - made superfluous.

IMHO Staying true to yourself is the only way to have no regrets when looking back.

 

[idokaiho]

So a person exhibits these characteristics:

- Lack of social relationships
- Living solitary
- Secretiveness
- Coldness and apathy towards others
- Rich, elaborate internal fantasy world

I'm just wondering if one can sustain that way, and still be healthily functioning.

I mean, I would imagine that there is bound to be secondary consequences that follow, such as loneliness, dread, depression, as well as some development of irrational paranoia of people. Living in your own fantasy world most of the time is bound to create some delusional thinking towards how the real world actually is, (especially towards the emotional and social aspects of reality).

Just saying, because I'm sorting through all this personally myself. People are all living these interpersonal lives, and I thought I knew what it's all about, but after some recent circumstances, it does turn out that I'm very slow, underdeveloped, and retarded when it comes to relating with people.

Now I'm wondering to what extent has irrationality permeated into my beliefs and thoughts.

Yeah I worry about all this stuff too. I just don't know enough to make a clear distinction between what I should or shouldn't do or believe.

I have the same desire for independance, and went out of control a couple of times... Yet now I consider the past a valuable lesson, woudn't have it any other way, and now have trust in my ability to course-correct. which is exactly the role I see a Phychologist in - made superfluous.

IMHO Staying true to yourself is the only way to have no regrets when looking back.

Basically what I just said above. I'm in this constant state of maybes even if their probabilities seem infinitesimally small. Often a bad trait but at least I'm never really wrong.

The closest I come to belief is acting based on highest perceived probability... But it usually has to be pretty high up there.

 

[Teax]

So a person exhibits these characteristics:

- Lack of social relationships
- Living solitary
- Secretiveness
- Coldness and apathy towards others
- Rich, elaborate internal fantasy world

I'm just wondering if one can sustain that way, and still be healthily functioning.

I mean, I would imagine that there is bound to be secondary consequences that follow, such as loneliness, dread, depression, as well as some development of irrational paranoia of people. Living in your own fantasy world most of the time is bound to create some delusional thinking towards how the real world actually is, (especially towards the emotional and social aspects of reality).

I always wondered where they draw the line when they measure "Rich, elaborate internal fantasy world". having one doesn't mean youre living it, does it?. because I think all of your consequences are just consequences of actually living as if it's true. but then again religion....

 

[Direwolf]

Narcasism, ocd and anxiety. Strongly suspect i also have aspergers. Dont know for sure but i have a feeling...

 

[Happy]

Doctor calls it ADHD. I call it creativity stimulator.

 

[Deleted member 1424]

I've never been diagnosed with anything official, but I am rather intensely afraid of becoming schizophrenic in the next 6 years or so. Most irl people find me to be an avatar of serene sanity, yet my mind always turbulent. Given my genetic history, age (schizophrenia manifests in mid to late 20 in women, usually), and my number of risk factors, it's not a fear I can dispel with rationality. My perceptions are certainly askew enough from normal to give pause, even if I'm the only one who notices the true depth of the disparity. These days I find myself rather obsessed with preventative measures and mental self-analysis. Fortunately there's quite a lot on the subject. I'm still heavily resistant to seeing a psychologist, though I should; at least for my depressive tendencies if nothing else. If I start hearing voices, I'll have no one to blame, but myself.

I've always been averse to typical relationships and protective of my solitude and independence, but my fear has me questioning the pragmatism of my beliefs and preferences. I doubt there's a psychologist alive who would consider my avoidance mentally healthy behaviour. Pondering what will keep you mentally sound is a somewhat strange endeavor. I've explicitly forgone recreational drugs for the very reason of avoiding schizophrenia. Supposedly, you're also supposed to avoid social isolation and nurture intimacy. I don't think I've ever managed to be truly intimate or open with anyone; friend or lover. Sure there have been some who were intimate with me to a high degree, but I never was with them on nearly the same level or only for fleeting moments. I never really minded it much or felt I needed to change; as long as I kept their feelings and well-being a priority. The reality is I've never not felt inherently alone and disconnected. Indeed, I like it that way to a significant degree, but if I had to pick a reason for the mental fragility I perceive in myself, that would be it. So if I'm attempting to proactively prevent schizophrenia; it seems like that would be a huge thing I need to change. To attempt real intimacy/vulnerability and to legitimately and unconditionally trust someone I physically know. (That never backfires) Though I'm at a loss for how to do it; how to stop reflexively setting myself apart. I certainly don't know any other way to 'be.' How do you subvert that which is second nature?

Though if I'm going to go mad anyway, I'd rather inflict myself on as few people as possible. Given my experiences with my schizophrenic grandmother, well, I wouldn't wish to inflict that on anyone. In which case, the way I am now causes less harm and other mitigating and even more isolating steps are in order. Hopefully I'd have the self-awareness to kill myself if the worst ever came to pass. Mental illness of the level I fear is far from pretty; I couldn't bear that to be my reality.

 

[StevenM]

I've never been diagnosed with anything official, but I am rather intensely afraid of becoming schizophrenic in the next 6 years or so. Most irl people find me to be an avatar of serene sanity, yet my mind always turbulent. Given my genetic history, age (schizophrenia manifests in mid to late 20 in women, usually), and my number of risk factors, it's not a fear I can dispel with rationality. My perceptions are certainly askew enough from normal to give pause, even if I'm the only one who notices the true depth of the disparity. These days I find myself rather obsessed with preventative measures and mental self-analysis. Fortunately there's quite a lot on the subject. I'm still heavily resistant to seeing a psychologist, though I should; at least for my depressive tendencies if nothing else. If I start hearing voices, I'll have no one to blame, but myself.

I've always been averse to typical relationships and protective of my solitude and independence, but my fear has me questioning the pragmatism of my beliefs and preferences. I doubt there's a psychologist alive who would consider my avoidance mentally healthy behaviour. Pondering what will keep you mentally sound is a somewhat strange endeavor. I've explicitly forgone recreational drugs for the very reason of avoiding schizophrenia. Supposedly, you're also supposed to avoid social isolation and nurture intimacy. I don't think I've ever managed to be truly intimate or open with anyone; friend or lover. Sure there have been some who were intimate with me to a high degree, but I never was with them on nearly the same level or only for fleeting moments. I never really minded it much or felt I needed to change; as long as I kept their feelings and well-being a priority. The reality is I've never not felt inherently alone and disconnected. Indeed, I like it that way to a significant degree, but if I had to pick a reason for the mental fragility I perceive in myself, that would be it. So if I'm attempting to proactively prevent schizophrenia; it seems like that would be a huge thing I need to change. To attempt real intimacy/vulnerability and to legitimately and unconditionally trust someone I physically know. (That never backfires) Though I'm at a loss for how to do it; how to stop reflexively setting myself apart. I certainly don't know any other way to 'be.' How do you subvert that which is second nature?

Though if I'm going to go mad anyway, I'd rather inflict myself on as few people as possible. Given my experiences with my schizophrenic grandmother, well, I wouldn't wish to inflict that on anyone. In which case, the way I am now causes less harm and other mitigating and even more isolating steps are in order. Hopefully I'd have the self-awareness to kill myself if the worst ever came to pass. Mental illness of the level I fear is far from pretty; I couldn't bear that to be my reality.

I have the same fears. Especially related to where you stated that you are completely sane on the outside, but on the inside, things are pretty damn warped.

I have had a couple of brief psychotic episodes in my life, and have been treated. Like you, I'm trying to gather as much information as I can, so that I can effectively prevent it from ever happening again.

 

[crippli]

I'm still heavily resistant to seeing a psychologist, though I should; at least for my depressive tendencies if nothing else. If I start hearing voices, I'll have no one to blame, but myself.

Could the depressive symptoms be labeled as "negative symptoms"? In DSM-5 only two out of 5 criteria needs be met. One of the first 3.
1) delusions, 2) hallucinations, 3) disorganized speech, 4) disorganized or catatonic behavior, and 5) negative symptoms.
We may be on the same lake. My psychologist is convinced 5 is checked. The other one they can take me on is 1. Like if I make an impression that I am afraid of them, and that they intend to harm me. That may be all they need to make the diagnosis.... If I stop seeing them, they will consider that is because I am unreasonably scared of them, and they got their checkpoints in order.

I think a general mental profile of a psychologist should be made available for the public. And the doctor should advice the patient to read how the psychologist think and behave before they enter that lair. Just the same as there are guidelines on how to best communicate with ex a paranoid person, or a traffic victim that is in shock.