Schizophrenia Psychotic Break with Headaches

A Personal Account: Debilitating Headaches, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia at a Young Age. My schizophrenia was preceded by debilitating headaches that led to psychotic symptoms. In this video, I address the question: "Can Headaches Cause Psychosis?" First, I discuss the onset of my headaches and psychosis. I then bring my dad on to discuss my medical history.

Today, I want to share a deeply personal experience that has shaped my life and mental health journey. Many of you know I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, which has presented its fair share of challenges. However, you might not be aware that my schizophrenia was preceded by debilitating headaches that eventually led to psychotic symptoms. In this post, I will address the question, "Can headaches cause psychosis?" I'll discuss the onset of my headaches and psychosis and bring my dad on to discuss my medical history. My story began with a psychotic break in 2012 when I was 12.

The Onset of Debilitating Headaches

My experience with headaches started a few weeks before my psychotic break. At first, they seemed relatively benign. I didn't pay much attention to them and assumed they were stress-related. I took over-the-counter painkillers to manage the pain, hoping they would provide some relief.

However, within a short span of three weeks, my headaches escalated in both frequency and intensity. I began to have trouble concentrating and started feeling increasingly anxious. Soon, my mental state deteriorated, and I experienced a full-blown psychotic break.

The Emergence of Psychotic Symptoms and Hospitalization

As my headaches worsened, my mental health took a nosedive. Finally, I became psychotic and was admitted to the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. After a thorough evaluation, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was a shocking and life-changing diagnosis, especially at a young age.

Research on the Connection Between Headaches and Psychosis

After my diagnosis, I researched the possible connection between headaches and psychosis to understand my situation better. While I discovered that headaches do not directly cause psychosis, evidence suggests a correlation between the two.

A study published in the journal "Headache" in 2018 found that individuals with primary headache disorders, such as migraines, were more likely to experience psychotic symptoms than those without headaches. The researchers suggested that the relationship between headaches and psychosis might be due to shared vulnerabilities in the brain, such as an imbalance in neurotransmitters.

Another study published in "Schizophrenia Research" in 2020 found that people with schizophrenia who also suffered from migraines were more likely to experience auditory hallucinations, a core symptom of psychosis.

Although these studies indicate a correlation between headaches and psychotic symptoms, they do not prove causation. Therefore, further research is needed to understand this connection better and how it may inform treatment strategies for individuals with both conditions.

My Dad's Perspective on My Medical History

I invited my dad to share his perspective on my medical history to provide additional context. He recalled the difficulty of grasping the connection between my headaches and psychosis, especially considering my young age. However, as he learned more about the potential link, he became a staunch advocate for my mental health care, ensuring that my doctors considered both my headache and schizophrenia symptoms when developing my treatment plan.

Conclusion

While it's clear that headaches don't directly cause psychosis, evidence suggests a correlation between the two. For individuals like me, who experience both debilitating headaches and schizophrenia, understanding this connection can be crucial in managing and treating our mental health.

By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others experiencing similar symptoms to seek help and prioritize their mental health. Advocating for the care and support you are essential in navigating the challenges of mental health conditions.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and please remember that you are not alone in your struggles.

#schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression