I'm worried I might have Schizophrenia, but not many symptoms. How can I tell?

Question

I don't have many symptoms for it (I've been researching, and I AM only 13) but sometimes I worry that I might have schizophrenia or some other mental disorder. I don't know if I'm just being paranoid, but it really scares me. For example, I still have an imaginary friend at the age of 13, and I'd much rather spend time talking to her than any of my other friends. I also sometimes see things, usually when it's dark, and I don't always show the right emotions (for example, when people are crying, I laugh instead of showing sympathy). Am I just being paranoid?

Answer 1

Schizophrenia usually deals with delusions, confused thinking and auditory hallucinations.

There is a difference between having an imaginary friend and schizophrenic hallucinations. The fact that you identify that this friend is indeed imaginary indicates your recognition of it. (Simply put: keep your friend and don't worry)

If you don't want to see a doctor, you can do research on the internet (see link below), check out a book on mental conditions from your public or school library, or talk to the school counselor. They can usually get you the information you need without talking to your parents.

Answer 2

If you have a general brain chemical dysfunction ( that is actually all that Schizophrenia is by the way)

then you would be very paranoid, of neighbors, and the president of the US watching you, and things of that nature. You would want to keep to yourself and isolate yourself from the outside world. You would HEAR voices and noises that no one else does. They would tell you things. You would see hallucinations. The part of showing emotions wrong isn't so much a symptom. You would have these voices and visions interfering with your normal thoughts. It actually interferes with your life. You may get sick and tired of this and reach out for help , like my little sister finally did. She is on good medicine, and doing very well now.

You are rather young to be getting symptoms of schizophrenia, as this disease often occurs post puberty, around age 18 - 22 .

Answer 3

Hi, if you dont feel you have many symptoms of schizophrenia then the chances are you dont have it.  Just because there are parts of your personality you are worried about that doesnt mean it is linked to a mental health illness. We're all different and unique, and all have our odd ways about us!

It is unusual to have an imaginery friend at 13. Perhaps you could try to begin to keep a journal writing down your thoughts whenever you need to get something out of your system. It will have the same effect as talking to your imaginary friend but wont freak you out, and you wont feel you have be ashamed of it.

Dont worry about laughing when people are crying, some people, especially young people like yourself laugh in these situations as they feel awkward and are unsure what to do.  It can be an automatic reaction.

Give yourself a little more time, try and spend more time with your friends and if in a few months or so you're still worried try to open to somebody you trust about your concerns.

Good luck.

Answer 4

The chances of you having schizophrenia are very small, especially if no one in your immediate family has the illness.  It's unusual to have an imaginary friend at 13, but that might be a coping mechanism for you since you don't seem to have strong friendships with people right now.  Your emotional expression can be normal if you have the opposite emotional reaction than other people, unless you laugh when you hear that someone dies.  Laughing can also be a coping mechanism if you don't want to admit that you feel sadness about something.

If you still have concerns, you can always talk to a psychologist or school counselor.

Answer 5

go talk to your Doctor.... you might have a slight chemical imbalance

Answer 6

I hear your fears about yourself. It is hard to go through that, especially when you are so young. I want to say something about your different worries  that you mentioned.

You sound lonely. An imaginary friend can be a comfort. Maybe you are not ready to give that up yet. Do you think your imaginary friend is another part of yourself?

If you are seeing things in the dark, it could be hallucinations, but you would be likely to have them in the light as well. Sometimes it can just be imagination. Your eyes get different input when it is dark or partly dark. Another thing it might be is flashbacks. Maybe you have had a trauma that you can't remember and it is coming back to you in little flashes.

Now having the "wrong" emotions...sometimes laughter can be nervousness. Do you think that is what is happening? You are at the age where your own feelings are in a bath of hormones. Adolescence. If you can identify what people are feeling, you have empathy. But at 13 it might not always be easy to express it.

So, who do you have in the real world that you can talk to? Schizophrenia? You might have it, but you probably don't. Instead of trying to put a label on yourself, can you see all this as how you are right now. At age 13.

I would like to see you have a chance to talk to a therapist if you think you need to. Certainly if your distress is constant or nearly constant. If you worry off and on, then you might just start by talking to a trusted adult.

You might be sick, but I am not sure that you are. Try not to worry. Talk about it. If you feel like you need more help, try to get to a therapist. Talk to your parents or somebody at school. Whichever feels right.

Answer 7

My father has Paranoid Schizophrenia and when on med's he is fine. You should really talk to your parents and doctor. Just don't act on what your imaginary friend might want you to do. Remember right from wrong. There is nothing to be embarrassed about stepping up and getting help will make your life so much better.  

Schizophrenia Overview

Schizophrenia symptoms include distorted thoughts and hallucinations. Usually starting in young adulthood, schizophrenia can also cause the sufferer to feel frightened and paranoid. To make a schizophrenia diagnosis, a psychiatrist evaluates symptoms, tests, and medical history, and prescribes medications and possibly psychotherapy (or other types of talk therapy) for proper schizophrenia treatment. New research is helping us understand this disorder better.