Posted by Tomatheus on July 29, 2014, at 15:59:32
In reply to Ideas of reference in schizoaffective disorder?, posted by vbs on July 29, 2014, at 13:19:56
vbs,
I think that ideas of reference are a symptom that can occur as part of a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's also my understand that this symptom might occur in individuals with bipolar disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and possibly other disorders.
I personally experienced what I'd describe as non-stop ideas of reference prior to getting on the Abilify that I'm taking. It was as if almost everything that I'd see or hear was either carrying a hidden message of sorts or responding to something that I was thinking. I still get the occasional idea of reference when I'm on my medication, but it's not a constant thing for me now like it used to be.
To answer your question about what it means to experience ideas of reference and to be aware of them, I think I'd steer away from reaching any kind of conclusion about saying that you're definitively psychotic (or especially insane) just based on the fact that you're experiencing ideas of reference. I'd view ideas of reference as a symptom that you might want to discuss further with a therapist or doctor. Whether you require further treatment at this point is something that I think you need to decide with your treatment professionals, and I think that the extent to which your ideas of reference are bothering you is something that should be taken into account.
Well, I think I've summed up my thoughts on what you've asked. Take care, and be well.
Tomatheus
Has a psychotic disorder with strong chronic fatigue symptoms
Taking Abilify, glycine, & vitamins B3 & D3
poster:Tomatheus
thread:1068941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20140718/msgs/1068947.html