[banshee72]

I was just wondering. If you have seen things (like ghosts for example) how can you tell if it's Schizophrenia or actually witnessing something paranormal. I have seen a lot of things but never diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and I've seen a psychiatrist for years. (I'm bi polar and I suffer an severe anxiety disorder and have had a very traumatic past) But I don't see things all the time but I have seen alot and it seems to run in the women on my mother's side of the family. My mother told me about her (our) family past and how all the women are/were clairvoyant. Ghosts have been a huge part of my life, I was raised with the paranormal.

Anyways, what types of Schizophrenia are there and could Schizophrenic people really be more vulnerable to the paranormal, thus making them seem weird and classified as "crazy"? What if what they are seeing could be real and they just can't handle it and become obsessed and paranoid and actually drive themselves or make themselves nuts or seem nuts? What part of the brain does Schizophrenia reside in? Anyone have links having to do with Schizophrenia vs the Paranormal? I know I don't know much about Schizophrenia, this is why I am asking questions.

And I am also asking because an old friend of my husband's has Schizophrenia and hes seen a lot of what would be classified as "paranormal experiences" but at the same time he is not the only witness to these events. Yet he is diagnosed with Schizophrenia but sometimes other people actually see or hear the same thing(s) he does when they are around him. So what's up with that? He claims the paranormal stalks him. My husband has even seen things around him and my husband is a huge skeptic! He doesn't know what to think about it. Usually if something odd or "paranormal" happens to him he rarely talks about it and when he does he just doesn't want to believe it. But he still knows it happened. Idk he's just like that...anyways I am starting to ramble....

Any insight? Links? Where should I begin my research on this? I'm not trying to sound stupid (even though I prob do for even posting this)I'm just trying to get some answers. Please take me seriously even if it's hard to, at least try. Again, I'm just looking for answers. I hope that all made sense. Thanks.

[FlamE]

You know that people diagnosed with bipolar disorder suffer delusions and hallucinations , right?

And as for the Schizophrenia and paranormal connection, here it goes :

If a schizophrenic believes in the paranormal, he is likely to 'witness' paranormal events.
If a schizophrenic believes in UFO abductions, he is likely to be 'abducted'.
If a schizophrenic believes in evil teaspoons who want to control the world, he is likely to be seen fighting teaspoons, throwing them away, or running away from them ( You get my point. )

Schizophrenia isn't the only disease reported in those who swear to have had paranormal encounters.

All in all , I'm glad that you've seen a psychiatrist for years and I hope you still do ( if you don't you should , considering your disorders and your traumatic past) and if I were you , I would really pick up some psychology books and read them. ( Considering you love looking into paranormal stuff , it would be a great aid so you don't take anything for granted )