psychotic illness, medication and university
Anyone here suffer from a psychotic illness and take strong medication for it.
I have schizoaffective disorder and I;m struggling with schizophrenic symptoms right now which has meant me going on strong sedating medications.
I;m finding it hard to concentrate and I;m not sure weather its a result of the strong meds or the mental illness.
how do you all cope?
I have schizoaffective disorder and I;m struggling with schizophrenic symptoms right now which has meant me going on strong sedating medications.
I;m finding it hard to concentrate and I;m not sure weather its a result of the strong meds or the mental illness.
how do you all cope?
I struggled with schizoaffective disorder when I was at university too and took medication for it. I think the psychotic symptoms can make concentrating difficult in themselves but the medication can make this worse - at least in my experience. Is there any way you can change medication? When I took risperidone I had difficulty working out 10% of a price in a store, it was ridiculous. However I now take haloperidol and find that I have a lot more freedom with my thoughts and my math skills, whilst still not at the level before I was diagnosed, are much better. Mood symptoms like depression can also affect how well you can concentrate and think so if you're finding yourself feeling depressed it'd be a good idea to talk to your psychiatrist about medication for that.
It's a difficult situation to be in I know , not knowing whether it's the medication or underlying condition. Are you receiving any help from your university? For instance the counseling service or DSA? DSA in particular can be a huge help and if you inform your uni you can get stuff like extensions on deadlines if you're going through a particularly tough time when you have work due.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
It's a difficult situation to be in I know , not knowing whether it's the medication or underlying condition. Are you receiving any help from your university? For instance the counseling service or DSA? DSA in particular can be a huge help and if you inform your uni you can get stuff like extensions on deadlines if you're going through a particularly tough time when you have work due.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Thanks for the reply.
I have tried so many anti psychotic medications and olanzapine (what I'm on now) seems to work the best for my symptoms so I want to stick with it. Other meds have given me really bad side effects.
I am in the process of applying for DSA and the uni are aware of my issues and are being supportive.
I guess since I'm a but unwell mentally at the moment I might have to wait to see if when the meds kick in if my concentration comes back.
I also take clonazepam PRN and I havenoticed when I take that in the day my concentration is really bad so I try to do my work before I take it. But generally I inly really need it if I'm going out because I hear more voices when I leave the house.
I asked my team and they said that it is likely my concentration is related to myMH because I'm am a bit though disordered right now and that can apparently affect concentration.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I have tried so many anti psychotic medications and olanzapine (what I'm on now) seems to work the best for my symptoms so I want to stick with it. Other meds have given me really bad side effects.
I am in the process of applying for DSA and the uni are aware of my issues and are being supportive.
I guess since I'm a but unwell mentally at the moment I might have to wait to see if when the meds kick in if my concentration comes back.
I also take clonazepam PRN and I havenoticed when I take that in the day my concentration is really bad so I try to do my work before I take it. But generally I inly really need it if I'm going out because I hear more voices when I leave the house.
I asked my team and they said that it is likely my concentration is related to myMH because I'm am a bit though disordered right now and that can apparently affect concentration.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Hey,
I have schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and concentration is a real problem for me too
I haven't found too many ways around it but I think communication with others is key if you find yourself struggling to concentrate.
Having done two degrees (one where the support was abysmal and one where the support was very good), I really truly believe that being open with tutors and the disability department about how things are going is important. I've just started at a new uni, which is incredibly nervewracking, and where there appear to be high expectations of me. I sent my main tutor a Mind factsheet about schizoaffective disorder so that she can understand that I'm not like many of her other students in what I can achieve and how fast I can do that.
If you have problems with reading (like I do
), I'd say it's worth asking your disability department whether they can sort out extended library loans for you. My last uni did that and it was a Godsend coz there's no way I could have dealt with the short-loan deadlines without running up huge fines
I have schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and concentration is a real problem for me too
I haven't found too many ways around it but I think communication with others is key if you find yourself struggling to concentrate. Having done two degrees (one where the support was abysmal and one where the support was very good), I really truly believe that being open with tutors and the disability department about how things are going is important. I've just started at a new uni, which is incredibly nervewracking, and where there appear to be high expectations of me. I sent my main tutor a Mind factsheet about schizoaffective disorder so that she can understand that I'm not like many of her other students in what I can achieve and how fast I can do that.
If you have problems with reading (like I do
), I'd say it's worth asking your disability department whether they can sort out extended library loans for you. My last uni did that and it was a Godsend coz there's no way I could have dealt with the short-loan deadlines without running up huge fines 
Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd
Hey,
I have schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and concentration is a real problem for me too I haven't found too many ways around it but I think communication with others is key if you find yourself struggling to concentrate.
Having done two degrees (one where the support was abysmal and one where the support was very good), I really truly believe that being open with tutors and the disability department about how things are going is important. I've just started at a new uni, which is incredibly nervewracking, and where there appear to be high expectations of me. I sent my main tutor a Mind factsheet about schizoaffective disorder so that she can understand that I'm not like many of her other students in what I can achieve and how fast I can do that.
If you have problems with reading (like I do ), I'd say it's worth asking your disability department whether they can sort out extended library loans for you. My last uni did that and it was a Godsend coz there's no way I could have dealt with the short-loan deadlines without running up huge fines
I have schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and concentration is a real problem for me too
I haven't found too many ways around it but I think communication with others is key if you find yourself struggling to concentrate. Having done two degrees (one where the support was abysmal and one where the support was very good), I really truly believe that being open with tutors and the disability department about how things are going is important. I've just started at a new uni, which is incredibly nervewracking, and where there appear to be high expectations of me. I sent my main tutor a Mind factsheet about schizoaffective disorder so that she can understand that I'm not like many of her other students in what I can achieve and how fast I can do that.
If you have problems with reading (like I do
), I'd say it's worth asking your disability department whether they can sort out extended library loans for you. My last uni did that and it was a Godsend coz there's no way I could have dealt with the short-loan deadlines without running up huge fines Sorry it's an offtop question but how can you actually study more than one degree? They only give you a loan for one? Unless you're paying for it privately? Just curious as I've always wanted to study 2nd one but can't afford it...
Original post by Anonymous
Sorry it's an offtop question but how can you actually study more than one degree? They only give you a loan for one? Unless you're paying for it privately? Just curious as I've always wanted to study 2nd one but can't afford it...
I did a self-funded Masters and am now doing a self-funded PhD
Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd
Hey,
I have schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and concentration is a real problem for me too I haven't found too many ways around it but I think communication with others is key if you find yourself struggling to concentrate.
Having done two degrees (one where the support was abysmal and one where the support was very good), I really truly believe that being open with tutors and the disability department about how things are going is important. I've just started at a new uni, which is incredibly nervewracking, and where there appear to be high expectations of me. I sent my main tutor a Mind factsheet about schizoaffective disorder so that she can understand that I'm not like many of her other students in what I can achieve and how fast I can do that.
If you have problems with reading (like I do ), I'd say it's worth asking your disability department whether they can sort out extended library loans for you. My last uni did that and it was a Godsend coz there's no way I could have dealt with the short-loan deadlines without running up huge fines
I have schizoaffective disorder (depressive type) and concentration is a real problem for me too
I haven't found too many ways around it but I think communication with others is key if you find yourself struggling to concentrate. Having done two degrees (one where the support was abysmal and one where the support was very good), I really truly believe that being open with tutors and the disability department about how things are going is important. I've just started at a new uni, which is incredibly nervewracking, and where there appear to be high expectations of me. I sent my main tutor a Mind factsheet about schizoaffective disorder so that she can understand that I'm not like many of her other students in what I can achieve and how fast I can do that.
If you have problems with reading (like I do
), I'd say it's worth asking your disability department whether they can sort out extended library loans for you. My last uni did that and it was a Godsend coz there's no way I could have dealt with the short-loan deadlines without running up huge fines Thanks that is really helpful and a good idea about the book loans thing. I really struggle with reading and have dyslexia too so it's like a double whammy lol.
Could you link me to the mind fact sheet you used so that I could sent it to my tutor?
Thanks for the reply. Good to know how well you have done academically dispite your illness its a real inspiration.
On a seperate note can I ask how I get a sig? I want to make one but can't seem to work it out???
Original post by anon2010
Thanks that is really helpful and a good idea about the book loans thing. I really struggle with reading and have dyslexia too so it's like a double whammy lol.
Could you link me to the mind fact sheet you used so that I could sent it to my tutor?
Thanks for the reply. Good to know how well you have done academically dispite your illness its a real inspiration.
On a seperate note can I ask how I get a sig? I want to make one but can't seem to work it out???
Could you link me to the mind fact sheet you used so that I could sent it to my tutor?
Thanks for the reply. Good to know how well you have done academically dispite your illness its a real inspiration.
On a seperate note can I ask how I get a sig? I want to make one but can't seem to work it out???
Here is the link: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizoaffective-disorder/#.VCg7FOc9Uc8
Do try and sort out the book thing - tiz handy
Creating a sig! Click on your username towards the right hand corner, next to 'Notifications' and try 'Customise my TSR' and see if there's anything in that drop-down list? It's not quite showing up for me but maybe that's coz I already have a sig?
Hi Anon2010,
As you have dyslexia and mental health difficulties I assume you have applied for (Disabled Students' Alllowances) DSA, If so there is usually funding for approx. 30 hours per year of specialist support for the difficulties that you experience because of either of the conditions. The support should include covering reading difficulties and concentration issues. You can choose where you get your support, either at the University you attend, or with other specialist tutors
As you have dyslexia and mental health difficulties I assume you have applied for (Disabled Students' Alllowances) DSA, If so there is usually funding for approx. 30 hours per year of specialist support for the difficulties that you experience because of either of the conditions. The support should include covering reading difficulties and concentration issues. You can choose where you get your support, either at the University you attend, or with other specialist tutors
(edited 9 years ago)
Hey, I did my A-levels on olanzapine for BPD (with psychotic symptoms) - I'm now on a gap year. I found therapy to be essential, and all my teachers and tutors knew what to do if I had an episode in school. I was allowed to take my exams in a separate room with extra time and rest breaks which was really helpful, I think Unis offer that too. Have you applied for DSA? They can give you things like extra photocopying/printing allowances for accessing notes when you can't concentrate in lectures, or organising a mental health specialist to help with study skills
