How much can a specialist help with symptoms of schizophrenia?

[down for the count]

I have been seeing a therapist for a couple years now. I chose her because she specialized in social anxiety. I started to show irritation with her when she would say things indicating a dislike for my thoughts. Now, she has said that she has helped me as much as she can. She now wants me to find a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia. My question is how much more can a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia help with symptoms of schizophrenia?

 

[Julgran]

I started to show irritation with her when she would say things indicating a dislike for my thoughts.

This is really unfortunate, and I hope that you can see past your therapist's bad behaviour. So-called "normal" people seem to just not understand complex issues such as what you are going through.

Now, she has said that she has helped me as much as she can. She now wants me to find a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia. My question is how much more can a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia help with symptoms of schizophrenia?

It never hurts to try the new treatment plan. Go for it and see how you like it - you can always quit



(Addendum:

If you do decide to start this new treatment and want to discuss your experience and feelings with us, please do so - you are always welcome.)

 

[Suicidebydeath]

I don't know the answer to your question. However, medication helps an extreme amount, at least with outward symptoms, but you might have rollercoaster on/off days. I don't have the condition myself. This is for paranoid schizophrenia though, I don't know the difference.

People get worn down, I'm sorry it happened with your therapist. Hopefully the new person will be more understanding, I would assume a specialist to be generally more understanding than a non-specialist, if that's helpful at all.

 

[GentleJerk]

Each person is different, and no one can tell if something that works for one person will work for another. Like @Julgran said you can always try if your open to it and see if it helps. But just a heads up, it may not always be an option to stop treatments if you have the diagnosis of schizophrenia. It might depend on your specific circumstances, but the two people I knew with schizophrenia are not allowed to stop taking their medication.

For what it's worth, those two people received injections for it every few weeks, and they swear by that injection. They told me that it's the only reason they can still function somewhat normally. They would even be excited for the doctor to visit when it was time for their dose!

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to suffer with something like that. I really hope this works out well for you and you can find a solution.

Whatever you decide to do, at least seeing a different therapist sounds like a good idea to me.

Best of luck,

 

[LittleJem]

I have a friend with schizophrenia who is stable for years on anti-psychotics.

Re your therapist, an honest therapist who knows when they can't help you....Well, that is rare. I guess the therapist has realised their tools don't help you. Don't take it as rejection, therapy has limits.

I have not seen therapists who specialise in schizophrenia but perhaps that exists.

 

[Suicidebydeath]

Anti-psychotics is what the person I know takes too. I would not say exactly stable, but what they have might be really bad and everyone is different.

Therapist might just be expressing frustration if there's no specalist, but get new one to protect self. It's sad to read. Having bad today, but hearing my nephews/nieces voices actually is a bit relaxing. Good luck!

 

[LADY007]

I have been seeing a therapist for a couple years now. I chose her because she specialized in social anxiety. I started to show irritation with her when she would say things indicating a dislike for my thoughts. Now, she has said that she has helped me as much as she can. She now wants me to find a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia. My question is how much more can a therapist who specializes in schizophrenia help with symptoms of schizophrenia?

Try finding a psychopharmacologist...they are experts in all the drugs that can possibly help schizophrenia. And find one in their early 30's who are familiar with all the latest drugs.