Can you hear voices and not be schizophrenic?

Hearing voices (i.e. auditory verbal hallucinations) is mainly known as part of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. However, hearing voices is a symptom that can occur in many psychiatric, neurological and general medical conditions.

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Can you hear voices in your head without being schizophrenic?

Hearing voices may be a symptom of a mental illness. A doctor may diagnose you 'psychosis' or 'bipolar disorder'. But you can hear voices without having a mental health diagnosis. Research shows that many people hear voices or experience other types of hallucinations.

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What can be mistaken for schizophrenia?

A few disorders have some of the same symptoms as schizophrenia (schizophrenia spectrum disorders), including:
  • Schizotypal personality disorder. ...
  • Schizoid personality disorder. ...
  • Delusional disorder. ...
  • Schizoaffective disorder. ...
  • Schizophreniform disorder.

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Am I schizophrenic if I hear voices in my head?

This symptom, which afflicts more than 80% of patients, is among the most prevalent and distressing symptoms of schizophrenia. Patients “hear voices” speaking to them or about them without anyone actually being there.

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Can you hear voices without having a mental illness?

While hearing voices can be a symptom of some mental health problems, not everyone who hears voices has a mental illness. Hearing voices is actually quite a common experience: around one in ten of us will experience it at some point in our lives. Hearing voices is sometimes called an 'auditory hallucination'.

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I hear voices in my head, but I’m fine - Eleanor Longden | Comment is Free

23 related questions found

Can you be aware of your own psychosis?

People who have psychotic episodes are often totally unaware their behaviour is in any way strange or that their delusions or hallucinations are not real. They may recognise delusional or bizarre behaviour in others, but lack the self-awareness to recognise it in themselves.

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What mental illness do you have if you hear voices?

Mental health problems – you may hear voices as a symptom of some mental health problems, including psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder or severe depression.

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What do schizophrenic voices usually say?

Patients who suffer from schizophrenia often have auditory hallucinations. They hear voices that are not there. Many times these hallucinations say things like “You are a terrible person, you are lazy, you are a waste of time” and other derogatory or critical remarks.

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What do psychosis voices sound like?

There can be “voices that are more thought-like,” says Jones, “voices that sound like non-human entities, voices that are perceived as the direct communication of a message, rather than something you're actually hearing.” Voices aren't always voices, either. They can sound more like a murmur, a rustle or a beeping.

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Do schizophrenics know they are schizophrenic?

Unfortunately, most people with schizophrenia are unaware that their symptoms are warning signs of a mental disorder. Their lives may be unraveling, yet they may believe that their experiences are normal. Or they may feel that they're blessed or cursed with special insights that others can't see.

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What does undiagnosed schizophrenia look like?

You could have: Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren't there. Delusions: Mistaken but firmly held beliefs that are easy to prove wrong, like thinking you have superpowers, are a famous person, or people are out to get you. Disorganized speech: Using words and sentences that don't make sense to others.

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How do I know I don't have schizophrenia?

You could be diagnosed with schizophrenia if you experience some of the following symptoms.
  1. Hallucinations.
  2. Delusions.
  3. Disorganised thinking.
  4. Lack of motivation.
  5. Slow movement.
  6. Change in sleep patterns.
  7. Poor grooming or hygiene.
  8. Changes in body language and emotions.

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What is the most misdiagnosed mental illness?

Bipolar is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed mental health issues. Somewhere between 1.4 and 6.4 percent of people worldwide are affected by bipolar disorder. However, it's hard to say which number is more accurate due to the frequency of wrongful diagnosis.

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Why do I have 2 voices in my head?

There are many significant factors that can cause hearing voices. The major factors that contribute to this condition are stress, anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences. In some cases, there might be environmental and genetic factors that cause such hearing of voices.

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Do auditory hallucinations always mean schizophrenia?

Auditory hallucinations are often associated with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, but they can happen for several other reasons, such as hearing loss, and aren't always a sign of a mental health condition.

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What are the early warning signs of psychosis?

Behavioral warning signs for psychosis include:
  • Suspiciousness, paranoid ideas, or uneasiness with others.
  • Trouble thinking clearly and logically.
  • Withdrawing socially and spending a lot more time alone.
  • Unusual or overly intense ideas, strange feelings, or a lack of feelings.
  • Decline in self-care or personal hygiene.

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How do schizophrenic voices start?

Many times the voices can start gradually and are often described as a vague or fleeting impression of hearing your name called or people talking about you. People with schizophrenia can hear a variety of noises and voices, which often get louder, meaner, and more persuasive over time.

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What is the difference between psychosis and hearing voices?

Major symptoms of psychosis are hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are sensations that are not real, such as hearing voices or sounds that aren't real. Hearing voices is a common hallucination, but hallucinations can be experiences with any sense—hearing, sight, smell, taste, or touch.

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Can schizophrenic voices be nice?

I usually try not to listen to them, but sometimes my schizoaffective voices are so loud even music can't drown them out. And sometimes, as other people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may know, the voices say good, or even helpful, things.

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Do schizophrenics talk to themselves?

There are some cases where talking to yourself can be a sign of a mental health condition. Muttering and speaking random sentences out loud could be a sign of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects many people worldwide. It's more common in young people when they're going through major transitions in their life.

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Do schizophrenics know who the voices are?

Scientists believe that patients with schizophrenia have a defect in this circuit, so their brain incorrectly identifies a mismatch between their own voice and the voice they hear, making them think the voice belongs to someone else.

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How do you help someone who is hearing voices?

My family and friends didn't judge me which I think made it a lot easier for me to deal with.
  1. Ask them what would help. Try not to make assumptions about what they find difficult. ...
  2. Reassure them that they're not alone. ...
  3. Encourage them to talk about their experience. ...
  4. Focus on feelings.

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What age does schizophrenia start?

In most people with schizophrenia, symptoms generally start in the mid- to late 20s, though it can start later, up to the mid-30s. Schizophrenia is considered early onset when it starts before the age of 18. Onset of schizophrenia in children younger than age 13 is extremely rare.

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How do I stop the voices in my head?

Challenge your voices
  1. Stand up to them. Tell them they have no power over you.
  2. Ignore their commands or threats. Tell them you're not going to listen to them or do what they say.
  3. Be assertive. Imagine what you'd say or do if you weren't afraid of your voices. Practice acting in that way until it feels more natural.

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