Ian And His Disorder

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Ian and His Disorder
Schizophrenia is defined by the DSM IV as having five main characteristics. Schizophrenics display these characteristics in a wide range of ways, from delusions to hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms (lack of goal system). Such symptoms have been observed by myself through the course of many years of witnessing them firsthand through my close friend Ian. I will attempt to explain my firsthand experience and relate it directly to the five main characteristics of schizophrenia as defined in the DSM IV.

While not on his medication, Ian demonstrates highly volatile behavior from extreme feelings of persecution along with mild jealousy and grandiose thoughts. He would make such claims as to being a rock star, producer for a record label, or other “unfound” famous person while harboring extreme anger, distrust, and jealously towards his friends. “Most schizophrenic patients do not seem to realize that other people find their delusional beliefs implausible.” Ian’s delusional state made him think a good friend was trying to rob someone’s house. In reality he was just sitting there playing a video game and when you try to tell him this he does not understand.

In this deeply disturbed state of non-medication, he exhibited intense auditory hallucinations which most likely stemmed from his delusional behavior. These auditory hallucinations came on without any warning and were extreme in nature “I’ll kill everyone for plotting against me”, and greatly affected his daily life as well as his relationships with other people. “Certain types of auditory hallucinations are especially characteristic of schizophrenia, notably the experience of hearing two or more voices conversing with one another or of hearing voices that keep running commentary on the patient’s thoughts or behavior or say derogatory things about the patient.” If not on his medicat...