Posted by Cressida on March 17, 2002, at 10:19:59
In reply to Awake for 7 days (panic, schizophrenia?) » beardedlady, posted by xjs7 on March 14, 2002, at 20:27:25
It is as if I'm reading my own experience. Roughly two months ago I started experiencing severe insomnia. I would stay awake for days at a time, spending much of it in front of the computer, doing things I cannot even recall. I definitely started getting weird, and probably psychotic, after the 30-50 hr mark. The severity of insomnia that you describe is a symptom of something. Whether it is schizophrenia or severe anxiety, in which case the latter is my chief problem, is something only you and your doctor can figure.
I was prescribed 5mg of Zyprexa about three weeks ago for my sleep disturbance. Thus far it has helped tremendously with problems unrelated to sleep, and I'm partially confused over this unexpected positive response. I have less anxiety; less confusion; improved memory; clearer head; fewer OCD and ADD symptoms. Am I psychotic? Not according my my therapist, doctor or family members. However, my pdoc said once that I may be a little psychotic at times. WEll, are you? You do not appear to be. I've seen the writings of schizophrenics, and yours does not seem to fit the schema in the slightest. Yet, the medicine may be helping you so much that you're symptom free.
So, it may very well be possible that your chronic sleep disturbance is causing a psychological disorder. The reverse may be the case as well. It's a question of what came first, the chicken or the egg? I have read in the literature that mental illnesses like schizophrenia can cause a person to stay awake for long periods. Anyhow, don't worry so much about the diagnosis, but be grateful you're getting help that's making a beneficial difference. I hope things work out for you... <8-]
poster:Cressida
thread:98025
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020313/msgs/98430.html