Inquiries About the Impact of Schizophrenia and Psychosis on Physical Health
Greetings, I am a 23-year-old man who received a schizophrenia diagnosis at the age of 21. I have a query concerning the condition. During episodes of distress or when experiencing symptoms of psychosis, I observe that my physical health noticeably deteriorates. Specifically, I frequently suffer from persistent diarrhea and a heightened need to urinate. Alongside this, I often feel chills as if I'm coming down with an illness. Additionally, I've noticed the presence of white patches in my mouth, similar to leukoplakia. Is there a connection between these physical symptoms and my psychotic episodes, or could it point to a different issue altogether? I also experience changes in my palms, which turn white with red blotches. Unfortunately, every medical professional I visit tends to attribute these phenomena solely to my mental health, but I am curious as to whether there is an underlying reason for these recurrent physical reactions during my psychosis.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 2:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the physical symptoms you're experiencing alongside your schizophrenia. Symptoms like persistent diarrhea, frequent urination, chills, and changes in your mouth can indeed feel distressing and may be connected to either your mental health condition or other medical issues.
Connection Between Physical Symptoms and Psychosis:
During psychotic episodes, stress and anxiety are often heightened, which can impact your physical health. Here are a few potential connections:
- Stress Response: High stress from psychosis can cause gastrointestinal issues, leading to symptoms like diarrhea.
- Medication Side Effects: If you are on medication for schizophrenia, some antipsychotics can cause digestive disturbances, urination changes, or dry mouth, potentially leading to oral alterations.
- Immune Function: Stress may affect your immune system, which could make you feel more ill or fatigued, contributing to symptoms like chills.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Poor appetite or self-care during mental health crises could lead to vitamin deficiencies, causing various physical symptoms, including mouth lesions and skin changes.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur in relation to your mental health episodes. Include details on diet, hydration, and any medications taken.
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Hydration & Nutrition: Focus on staying well-hydrated, and try to maintain a balanced diet to avoid further complications from gastrointestinal symptoms. Foods high in fiber may help with diarrhea, while staying hydrated can assist with any urinary issues.
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Seek Comprehensive Evaluation: Consider pursuing a consultation with a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a dermatologist, who can assess the physical symptoms independently of your mental health diagnosis. This will help ensure that any underlying conditions are not overlooked.
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Review Medications: If you are on antipsychotic medications, discuss with your prescribing doctor any side effects you're experiencing to see if adjustments can be made.
It's important to find a healthcare provider willing to thoroughly investigate your physical symptoms alongside your mental health. You deserve a holistic approach to your health that looks at both your mind and body. Please continue to advocate for yourself, and don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health resources as you navigate this process. If anything worsens or new symptoms emerge, be sure to address them promptly.
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