Schizoaffective Disorder - Jonny Benjamin challenges an expert

Mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin talks to Prof. Mick O'Donovan about his diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and research in the field of schizophrenia.

[patrickboudreau]

I had a diagnosed schizoaffective episode a few years ago. What I realised is that my expectations towards relationships in general were off the track. Also, my affective needs became abnormal due to extremely stressful events in my life. I was looking for support and kept failing. In my experience, a small ajusment in the thinking process goes a long way in feeling more centered. For me, expections from relationships and my outlook on life. For others, might be different but I truly beleive it is possible to improve the life experience by thinking differently.

[raim]

Was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder 37 years ago, at the time it was a fairly unusual diagnosis. Had active episodes every few years and am considered medication-resistant. I would definitely be willing to be involved in a study, ask me some questions, take some blood and contribute to further understanding of the brain--hell ya.

[freedomofspeech-qhfe]

Ive had a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis for the past 15yrs and when i first started watching this, how he talks and thr movements for sure mimic mine as well. I get distracted alot by my voices n shadow people at times, so if i stutter alot or pause a long time its cuz im focusing in on my hallucinations and i look off into the distance alot because i see through the wall at times at things im sure most people dont do or see or because im on guard and my paranoia points out every1 in my general area.

[mintleaf]

I noticed as a person with schizo effective disorder, that peopel with with this disorder have a look about them, some kind of desperation and emptiness in the eyes

[FlezzDurjis]

At what point is Jonny supposed to be challenging this "expert?" It seems his authority is well received by the interviewer.

[williamregister]

I believe in a purpose to schizoaffective disorder. I don't think what we experience is anything less than an increased perception. Even the scary episodes, life is scary. But there is a peace in not fighting against a disorder, I feel happier when I let my mind free.

[dyrefate]

I have schizoaffective as well. I think the medical community is mostly interested in subduing us—not healing us.

[abizarrebazaar]

Your story is so inspiring and I hope you all the best all always. I know this was a whilst back but you're still young and have a long life ahead. So thank you for sharing this with us

[johnrobson]

He was better at explaining the disorder than most. I disagreed with him saying the dirty effects of the medication are necessary for the treatment to work. Vraylar did very little for me other than inflame my lower intestine, tortured my stomach and caused me to gain 48 pounds in 11 months. I was eating once a day, small portions and exercising 3 times per week and I could no longer manage my weight like I normally do. Before I took Vraylar, I've never had trouble losing weight or anything. I was 6'3" and 176 pounds when I started the med. I will admit to having slight improvements to my concentration but I was still sleeping 11-13 hours a day and randomly rotating shifts. I think you're really lucky because I've had 12 episodes of psychosis and multiple careers flushed down the drain for it. I've had over 60 jobs and I've struggled to reach the poverty level. 80% of the time I never make it. I have SchizoAffective depressive type.

[alflovesalf]

They diagnosed me with schizoaffective disorder, but I think I'm experiencing a spiritual awakening, I see animals, and now spectral ghost like figures, I hear my thoughts spoken by people I have met too. Should I b worried

[funkeeper]

Ive always ask myself, how are the voices they hear? Real voices or thoughts?

[bellany]

Other person who doesnt have a clue. Everyone is having spiritual awakenings, and gifted people are told they are mentally ill. The psychiatrist has no clue at all, reading from a book he has spent years learning, yet not actually experienced anything in his own life. So sad to see so many amazing peoples lifes getting taken away

[kimlec]

In Finland & areas nearby, Psychosis is accepted & the person is spoken with. Not drugged & left alone. See Dialogue Cures for Psychotic Problems with Jaakko Seikkula.

[whatkatydid]

This guy is saying some interesting stuff, but the sound is awful. All the background noises are really distracting and really detract from what’s being said.

[atheistmetal]

Could tripping about 120 times on about 4500 hits of acid over 30 years cause schizophrenia?

[rarecockneyguvnor]

I will never trust Psychiatrists when I was a young man of 22 a Psychiatrist Dr A Dalton UCH hospital London wc1 This evil Psychiatrist told me that he wanted me to suffer.He also told me he didn't care about me. so much for help the last person I would ask for help is a psychiatrist

[neomancr]

I Def agree that it makes no sense at all to refer to someone with schizoaffective disorder as schizophrenic. Flat affect is a principle symptom of schizophrenia and is completely absent on schizoaffective

[brama]

Ask this Prof. a question and he talks for half an hour. :O)

[yosefzee]

Do not be intimidated by his condescension! I fully recovers from this…! Read Robert Whittakers stuff

[beadingbusily]

It sounds very vaguue, This is how doctors talk when they're not confident.