Hello everyone. I'm an M1 that was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia.... I've had symptoms leading up to it for a couple of years now. The "prodromal" phase involves loss of concentration, cognitive abilities, depression, etc. I thought that was just from adapting to the stress of school, but after that the active phase kicks in, and you get the positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. The doctors say there's a chance it could get better or it could get worse.... I don't think I'm in any condition to pursue medicine at this point. It's been a very painful and heartbreaking experience. Just trying to think of something new to do and contribute to society.... I don't want to think about what will happen to me if I let this consume me. Any advice appreciated.
Pursuing another profession after Schizophrenia diagnosis...
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Wow. I dont have any advice, but I cant even begin to comprehend the emotions and struggle you are going through during this time. I am sorry you are dealing with this. I would talk to your psychiatrist and see what their advice would be.
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I'm sorry you're going through this. Your psychiatristwould probably have some good insight on what you might be able to handle career wise. Do you want to bail entirely or take a leave of absence to see what direction things go?
What were your favorite classes? Hobbies? Other interests? what drew you to medicine? Then we might be able to throw out some suggestions
What were your favorite classes? Hobbies? Other interests? what drew you to medicine? Then we might be able to throw out some suggestions
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I'm just a medical student and have no knowledge or insight into how the medical licensing boards work, but I think you should talk to someone about what the chances of you getting a physician's license would be with a schizophrenia diagnosis because you wouldn't want to graduate with a ton of debt to only find out you're unlicensable. Your psychiatrist would probably be your best resource for this.
I'm really sorry you're going through this. I know it must be a tough situation to be in.
I'm really sorry you're going through this. I know it must be a tough situation to be in.
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Your situation is heartbreaking, I’m sorry...Just an idea as I don’t know how good you were, but god knows the EMR is an annoyance on the best of days. Perhaps you can mix the two professions. Get your skills back and see if you can join a company that produces novel programs for the healthcare system. If you’re ambitious, maybe even make your goal creating your own app for medical students or physicians one day.
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Not an expert on licensing either, but state licensure questions do vary quite significantly, with some states only peripherally touching on the topic of mental health. In these states, one can go through the licensing process without disclosing their mental health history as long as the underlying condition is well controlled. Physician-Friendly States for Mental Health: A Review of Medical Boards | Pamela Wible MD
It's also important to keep in mind that schizophrenia (like every mental health condition) exists on a spectrum, and the severity is not uniformly debilitating, though that is often what we see in the hospital (and on TV). Someone can have schizophrenia and still be high-functioning. Of course, it is also important to be mindful that medical training can and often does worsen or unmask any underlying mental health conditions. Whether continuing to pursue medical training is worth the risk will depend on each individual.
Regardless, I agree that the OP should focus on their health first, take a LOA, and see how things respond to treatment. Have a frank and open discussion with your psychiatrist on this matter, and make your decisions off of that. This is NOT a decision that needs to be made overnight, that's what the LOA is for. Just my thoughts
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Heartbreaking to read this, Plink. I suggest that you consult as many psychiatrists AND your clinical faculty and see what they have to advise.
I never knew schizophrenia had a prodrome. Is it worth getting a second opinion?
Agree with taking LOA.
Good luck and do keep in touch.
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So epidemiology or biostats could be a good way to merge those. We use things like SAS, R, python, STATA so there's the computers and programming piece but you're working on meaningful health problems. I got my MPH majoring in epi and love it. From there you could be an epidemiologist at a health department, doing clinical research, hospital epidemiologist or infection preventionist, data analytics at a lot of places.
I wonder if it'd be feasible to take a leave, do the MPH while on leave (if you're stable enough to do it), come back to med school if you're doing well or just stop with the MPH if you're still struggling?
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This is awful. I am sorry. Instead of just reiterating what others have said, I would add that many practitioners get tired of clinical practice and use their degrees for other jobs that can still be very fulfilling and less demanding. If this means getting the MD and using it elsewhere or doing something like the above suggestion, either way you can do well. Take care of yourself and best of luck to you.
I may take a LOA and do a master's degree... but my fear is that the stress of medical school will aggravate my condition, especially since it bends and twists even mentally healthy people so harshly. I was told I can have another psychotic episode under immense pressure... Not only would that jeopardize me but I'm fearful of what may happen to the patient. I may be able to make a full recovery, but the odds are only about 1/4, and that usually happens to people with a rather sudden onset of it... I've had a prodrome lasting 2 years now.
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This post really breaks my heart. I have a brother-in-law who has schizophrenia and it's just a terrible disease. Please take care of yourself!
In term of what you can do, I actually think that being a researcher in medicine or with biotech for drug therapies would keep the stress at a moderate level but keep you in a field that you're passionate about. But, at the end of the day, just enjoy life and do the things that you like.
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Sorry you’re dealing with this. Don’t know too much about mental illness in medicine community, are there private support groups on Facebook or social media you can query even if it’s just to feel like you’re not an outlier. My classmate had bipolar 1 and had an acute manic episode in Med school, took an LOA and came back and then shined (?shone) the rest of Med school and landed a great residency position and now job. I think completing school is not out of question with your dx in my mind it’s bit different than other chronic illnesses and allowances must be asked for and made on your behalf. Just getting the MD will allow you to do some of the other things you like including computer related things, could look into doing some work at google or other companies doing healthcare AI. Agree with everyone else try to get as many opinions as you can and build a nice safety net around yourself and most importantly prioritize your own well being.
in regards to stress of Med school I think it is predominantly related to competition between students and trying to land the best residency spots. If you take that out of the equation and make your goal just to graduate and maybe have a plan to do something non-patient care related the stress of Med school can become much more manageable
in regards to stress of Med school I think it is predominantly related to competition between students and trying to land the best residency spots. If you take that out of the equation and make your goal just to graduate and maybe have a plan to do something non-patient care related the stress of Med school can become much more manageable
I am so sorry that this has happened. As other's have said you should probably have an in-depth conversation with your psychiatrist and counselor and at the very least take a LOA until you find a treatment plan that works for you. Biotech/biomedical research might be a good fit for you. I have a friend with schizophrenia that works in healthcare, if you would be comfortable with it I could talk to them and see if they have any recommendations for you (or even just general support/management help) and we could pm about it (assuming they are also okay with that of course).
Thank you so much.... I really wanted to hear what somebody else in the medical community who is battling it has to say. It really gives me a beacon of hope. I've PMed you.
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Yes, psychotic disorders (non-substance-related) commonly have a prodromal phase before the onset of someone's first acute episode(s): Validity of the Prodromal Risk Syndrome for First Psychosis: Findings From the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study
Plink22, if you live in an area with a specialized early psychosis treatment program, it might be worth looking into. Two years of prodrome isn't too long - sounds like you're still in the stage where early intervention and coordinated specialty care can really make a difference. There's a directory here: ESMI Treatment Locator
If you want, you can PM me and I can try to help you find resources in your area (I work with young adults with early schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and other psychotic disorders). People commonly think that antipsychotic medication is the only treatment option for psychotic disorders and people w/schizophrenia can't benefit from psychotherapy - this isn't necessarily true! For example, CBT for Psychosis can be very helpful for some people in learning to manage stressors and cope with symptoms.
Best of luck to you. Schizophrenia is a scary diagnosis, but it doesn't mean your life will look like the portrayals of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia in popular media, etc. Some of my clients have found it helpful to read memoirs by others with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis who have also led a full life, like Elyn Saks' 'The Center Cannot Hold' (she has some great talks on Youtube too) or Esme Weijun Wang's 'The Collected Schizophrenias'.
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I don't know what to say, thank you so much for the support. I've just been looking to find anyone who has overcame the odds in spite of this and seek their guidance, I will definitely give those a read. I've PMed you regarding the other treatment options as well. Thank you.
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Remember to never define yourself by your illness, nor let others define you.
Good luck friendo.
Good luck friendo.
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Your maturity and insight in the face of this diagnosis and massive life plot-twist make me admire you above the level at which I admire most other humans. I wish you the very best as you move forward and hope dearly you find a path which gives you joy and meaning. I will be rooting for you.
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I don't think medicine is a reasonable career to pursue for the overwhelming majority of individuals with schizophrenia. I'm sorry you're having to go through this, but the mere fact that you're posting this demonstrates insight that a substantial portion of the population of individuals with schizophrenia don't necessarily have. You're fortunately very early in your training. It's certainly possible for you to find a niche that will offer you the opportunity to fulfill some of your career desires with less risk to your health, but individuals who know you more intimately will be able to offer you better guidance in that regard. Good luck
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Take a LOA. Make sure you’re well before you worry about anything else.
Good luck op
Good luck op
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I don't know your course or the severity of your illness, but as a psychiatrist, I assure you there are practicing physicians out there with schizophrenia (I've treated them).
If you decide to pursue medicine, which is a conversation I think you should have with your psychiatrist, you will have to choose a residency in a state that only cares about current functioning. You will also have to ask for accommodations in terms of sleep/24-hr shifts (bipolar patients do this too as do those with seizure disorders and other illnesses exacerbated by lack of sleep). That said, it can be done. Please discuss this with your psychiatrist to see if it's a feasible option for you.
My thoughts are with you. I echo what was said earlier and that is that your maturity and your way of dealing with this just makes me admire you. Wishing you the best.
If you decide to pursue medicine, which is a conversation I think you should have with your psychiatrist, you will have to choose a residency in a state that only cares about current functioning. You will also have to ask for accommodations in terms of sleep/24-hr shifts (bipolar patients do this too as do those with seizure disorders and other illnesses exacerbated by lack of sleep). That said, it can be done. Please discuss this with your psychiatrist to see if it's a feasible option for you.
My thoughts are with you. I echo what was said earlier and that is that your maturity and your way of dealing with this just makes me admire you. Wishing you the best.
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If you choose to leave medical school but still want a job that allows you to work with patients, you may be able to put your CS skills to use in adaptive technology. I know people who work directly with patients at the VA to develop assistive devices to fit unique needs. I have no idea how common these positions are, but there are ways to work with patients outside of medicine/the standard ways
