Negative Symptoms: My Experience with Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

Negative symptoms are something that is found primarily in the criteria for schizophrenia. However, part of the criteria for schizoaffective disorder-a condition that is on the schizophrenia spectrum-includes some overlap with schizophrenia.
Negative symptoms are that overlap. And while they are not required for a diagnosis of either condition, they are common and thus are found in many with the disorders.
As someone who is diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder I have experienced negative symptoms, and that is what this video is about. Avolition and Asociality contributed to the episode that ruined my life, and this is that story.
I hope you like it, and if you do, slam the like button and drop a comment below with your thoughts. I love hearing what those who are part of the SK Hive have to say about my vids!
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). dsm.psychiatry...
Correll CU, Schooler NR. Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Review and Clinical Guide for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020 Feb 21;16:519-534. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S225643. PMID: 32110026; PMCID: PMC7041437.
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Disclaimer: I am not a qualified mental health professional. This channel exists for educational purposes, and I do my best to provide accurate and up-to-date information. In order to create content, I combine scientific resources (peer reviewed studies and easy-to-understand articles) and my own personal experiences/advice. I seek to make complicated topics easy to understand, but I am no substitute for a doctor, therapist, or other qualified mental health professional.
#negativesymptoms #schizoaffective #schizoaffectivedisorder #avolition #asociality #schizophrenia #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth

[@laureeeee]

Negative symptoms are the WORST. I have never understood how people wake up and magically have motivation to do anything

[@nicolamustard7232]

Absolutely!! And I hate it because I want to do all those things but just.... can't. 😔

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Magically? Thank God someone does sometimes.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

Anhedonia and alogia are two that can be incredibly brutal, especially when you're someone who is a sociable person. The amount of brain farts mid-conversation and the struggle to find the words RIGHT at the tip of your tongue are devastating.

[@LilDinoGuy]

I’m so glad you’re talking about this. I have Bipolar II and PTSD and avolition is a common trait of both. I was talking to my psychiatrist yesterday, describing how when I’m home alone, I go into “standby” mode and can hardly initiate tasks. I can’t find it in myself to get up and cook, clean, or even read or play video games. This is the case even when I’m not depressed, and it sucks. It’s hard to feel like a “whole” person.

[@davidchilders2437]

I'm sorry that you lost so many of your friends! When I had my break I lost a lot of my friends too! But you know what a few of them stuck by me. When you have a mental illness you really learn who your true friends are!

[@SchizoKitzo]

True words right here! I have plenty now that are in it for the long haul. Even tho it took me a while to get to where I am it was worth the work!

[@PrinAnie]

I don't blame those who couldn't cope. Everyone needs boundaries and they aren't bad people for looking after themselves. But I'm happy that I have a nice group of neuroatypical friends who have stuck by me, and I by them, during the tough times.

[@moehrengruen1196]

I know that if I would tell my friends they would be scared of me and that scares me

[@emmamunro7208]

Holy sh!t I am crying right now, I have ADHD and bipolar, OCD. I have told so many people, doctors, psychiatrists. Why did none of them tell me about negative symptoms. It's debilitating. And exactly like pulling teeth. Everyone just said I was a lazy so and so. I tried to explain about the block. I'm devastated none listened. Now I know what it is.

[@SchizoKitzo]

I wish there was more awareness about them because they are found in more than just schizophrenia spectrum illnesses. Especially those with depression etc… I’m glad I could help but I’m also sorry no one has ever mentioned it to you. Stay strong and know you’re not alone 💪

[@reybenesmisasi8017]

I'm in a similar boat (just add asd and spicy deja vu), and frankly I really wish they'd given me the words for these symptoms earlier. They would've made therapy, recovery, diagnosis, and medication SO MUCH EASIER

[@ladybaabaa]

Wow. I can SO relate to this. I've had anhedonia for about 7 years, including what seems to be a shutting off or blocking of hunger and sleep cues (I'm never hungry and I only go to bed at 4am because I should. And then I sleep all day). I've got MAJOR avolition and although it's worsened greatly alongside the anhedonia, I realise I've never really had much interest in goals, accomplishments or ambitions. It's always taken a lot to motivate me and when I do have to do something, it feels HORRIBLY dreadful and I get no satisfaction from it. Asociality. Yes. I need to be alone for the majority of my waking hours or I just become mentally exhausted. I have MDD, GAD, OCD, CPTSD, BPD and AvPD.

[@nicolamustard7232]

My diagnoses are different, but you sound a lot like me. My avolition right now is terrible, I barely get out of bed and I can't DO anything. I reeeeallly don't want to be around people these days, even though I've historically been a fairly social person. I'm hoping this improves as I have kids, and can't be in bed all my life.....

[@ladybaabaa]

@@nicolamustard7232 Oh wow, hello twin! I also spend a LOT of time in bed as it's a relief to be asleep or half asleep, comfy and alone with no one around! I have zero interest in doing anything as nothing feels like it would be enjoyable. Every potential thing I could do makes me feel either dread, stress, boredom or mental exhaustion. Everything feels like an obligation. It's sad.

[@angstydesi]

I have Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar type, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and PTSD. Thank you for providing such great insight on what Asociality and Alogia. My symptoms have been very well balanced, though I tend to come off as introverted more than extroverted as well. This gave so hope! I find it helpful to know that we are all not alone as a community!

[@May-or-May-not]

I'm bipolar with ADHD and possibly autism and I recognize myself in this so much especially when I'm in episodes. It's almost worrying

[@PKWeaver74]

Hi there, ADHD and probably on the spectrum here - me too.

[@nicolamustard7232]

Yes, yes...I love this!... "It felt like there was a wall, that something was blocking me and keeping me from contributing. And I couldn't fix it no matter how hard I tried. Part of me wanted to, and the other part just couldn't....so I didn't do much of anything." It is so painful. So confusing. I spent my entire 20s and 30s beating myself to a pulp about it. It's finally making sense now, but now for some reason, it's worse than ever....sigh*. Onward....

[@saracalvillo571]

First I was diagnosed with schizoaffective ,then I saw another doctor who said I was bipolar,today I asked my doctor what was my diagnosis cuz I was confused all this time I thought I was just bipolar...he asked why I wanted to know I told him I was confused with my diagnosis and he said I'm schizoaffective with bipolar symptos,I hardly experience mania I feel the depression more...that's why I'm watching this video I can finally relate

[@gregdescant4121]

Thanks!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks so much!!!

[@moehrengruen1196]

I have negative symptoms at the moment and I feel awful. I don’t want this anymore I’m so depressed I don’t think it’ll ever get better.

[@slime_molder-qt6jz]

Thanks for this vid. As someone with anxiety and depression I related to this so much. I feel bad looking back to my past about how many opportunities I missed because I just couldn't do anything. I'm glad you're doing better now though

[@gckinsey]

I learned so many new words from this video! Thank you for the clear and concise definitions of each of these negative symptoms. It was also helpful to hear about your personal experience with avolition and asociality. It sounds like it was so frustrating not to have any motivation to do the chores for your apartment or the work for your EMT class. And with the asociality, it's interesting that you only really noticed it in hindsight. I'm so glad that you don't experience those negative symptoms anymore thanks to your meds, and I hope it continues to be that way!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Negative symptoms are fortunate not a thing outside of really really bad episodes like what happened in nyc. For some they never go away. For others it’s just episodes. I’m glad I was able to educate ya and thanks for the comment!

[@NavigatingthePeriphery]

Negative symptoms suck! The asociality is something now even though I'm medicated I still have difficulty breaking out of. I still isolate and dont know why. Great video! Again I can relate on every level.

[@matilbeast7044]

I have major anxiety listening to the truth of your videos however that’s because I don’t work on myself and just came across your videos again!!! They are very helpful!!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Never too late to start working on yourself!

[@matilbeast7044]

@@SchizoKitzomhm… 🙏

[@waceyseufer7083]

Dang dude! I'm gonna definitely do some more studying on this! That'd explain so much for me. Thank you! I was just diagnosed this March and you're really helping me learn a lot! I'm just now learning how to play D&D with my brother and it's a billion times easier than learning about my new bipolar 1 diagnosis so THANK YOU for helping make sense of so much! Lol! Keep going! You Rock, Dude!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Super glad I can help and best of luck with D&D! It’s such a fun game!!!!

[@PrinAnie]

Thank you for this. I didn't know there was a name for them as a group. My psychologist has gone through some of them with me, but I never knew it had a name. I'm bipolar 1 mixed type with psychosis. I'm stuck in 3 of those, although not nearly as bad as during and in the fallout of my most recent breakdown. Sometimes even the right meds don't get rid of it entirely. Still working on the meds, but antipsychotics, while they work and I am so grateful for that, also result in a low grade of negative symptoms on occasion.

[@SchizoKitzo]

I can def say it’s so nice when things I go through have names. Thanks for this comment!

[@jasonwright387]

Hi Kit, I came across your you tube channel just in the past few weeks and like most of the other fans have been positively impacted by the content. I have schizophrenia. For the longest time i was in denial but i finally sought treatment about 10 years ago, and saw the quality of my life improve dramatically. With the medication managing the symptoms, plus the one on one time with the therapist really helped me realize i could deal with the symptoms and have a productive life. But there was always this feeling that i had to hide my illness from my friends and family. Your channel and videos really helped make the uncomfortable comfortable as you put it. Its helped me normalize what i have been dealing with and feel like there is a way through this illness without having to feel ashamed of lesser because of it. I really wanted to thank you for that and encourage you to keep on making content! You are impacting lives in a good way Thank you Kit.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks for this comment, I appreciate it! Welcome to the Hive 🐝

[@ThomasMuethingDotCom]

from your previous videos about your hospitalization in May 2019s and your time before in NYC, I wondered if maybe you experienced negative symptoms back then. I'm glad you managed to manage those symptoms and have developed profound insight over your illness. You deserve to live your best life, and I think youve been do that.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you!

[@kinzhe83]

Full of negative symptoms for like a week now, I legit qualify for almost everything you said in this video. Wish I could be more positive but I'll just say good video Kit (which it is :) and best regards :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

Best of luck in the coming days, you got this! 💪

[@orcusvox]

Hey Kit. I've experienced all five of those symptoms. I never have the motivation to do anything social. I have days where I don't speak for hours. It interferes with my work. It's brutal.

[@SchizoKitzo]

You’re heard 🐝

[@paperEATER101]

I dropped by a couple of weeks ago to check out your olanzapine review and reminisce. Since then, lying here in my barely volitional depressed state, I've watched probably 20 of your videos. It's been amusing and informative and may you have a bee species named after you some day 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@SchizoKitzo]

“What’s that?” “Oh that’s a Kitzo bee, they’re a little… wild” :) Jokes aside, glad you liking the videos these days! Thanks ^_^

[@KartiGz000]

I’m Schizoaffective Bipolar Type. Thanks for the vid !

[@jasonalberto5925]

You are intelligent and beautiful. You explain things so well. I hope your parents and family are very proud of you. Keep up the good work I'm certain you help many understand their mental health conditions and help others who don't have mental health conditions to understand too.

[@MarkFive-ec7ig]

Headgear is rocking. I do miss the bunnies. You always look stunning, Kit. 😊

[@SchizoKitzo]

The bunnies will be back don’t worry 😎

[@alruiz5096]

Really good way in communicating about your mental illness. People seldom stop to consider why some folks behave the way they do. Or the challenges they must engage thru no fault of their own. Well done.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks! ^_^

[@a.p.2019]

I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you talking about your experiences. And I'm so grateful to hear how far you've come in your journey - and your ability to educate the rest of us. You're an incredible person and I hope you know much you're appreciated ❤

[@KAIRASCAR1234]

THANKS FOR THE GREAT ENLIGHTMENT

[@nisaba5752]

New to rhis channel.Thank you SO MUCH for being vulnerable, and talking about your mental health,and your feelings. You have such great insight!It seems like you've done a LOT of 'inside work." This really helps me to understand this condition/s. 💜🎉 :)

[@jiannelegere8320]

Very Impressed with this Beautiful , intelligent young woman.❤

[@oaao8312]

I tend to have both avolition and asociality as well, as a schizotypal person. It's hard to identify at times because I have them to fluctuating degrees. However, the asociality seems to be super prevalent, I don't really find a desire to talk with others a lot of time, but I try to push myself to do so. In a way I am glad that this is something that was brought up to me during my evaluation because I would have gone my whole life as a hermit, but now I try to work against it sometimes (I still enjoy being alone!) Without medication though, it can be very hard, I just have to try to change my perspective on things to push myself. It's difficult but thankfully I am out of a slump I had with avolition and can continue my coursework in college.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your studies!

[@darlenehernandez2867]

wow… thank u … my diagnosis makes sense 😅

[@THICCpikachu]

I've been experiencing various levels of asociality and avolition for years, I didn't know it was a named thing. I'm going to ask my therapist about them next session. ❤

[@SchizoKitzo]

Glad I could help!

[@erictwombly5902]

You bring out and demonstrate one of the most distinctive aspects of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders. Many, many of the ones containing these qualities have higher than average intelligent quotients (IQ), and are frequently brilliant!

[@stanleysodansky798]

My daughter has what you have. She is currently in a behavior clinic for recent episodes. The thing is once she gets released she refuses to take her meds. This illness is insidious. Im hopping that this time she learns that she has to follow the program. I shall see

[@Self.Destructive.Specialist]

No one ever gets it about me. To hear the same struggles are real and kinda kudos to me. Also still crushing 🤭🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@cherylchewilliams5040]

Now I understand my diagnosis a little better . I thought I was more introverted than extroverted. That may still be true but I have more friends than she seemed to earlier in her life?!

[@LucidLuci666]

Was I diagnosed with bipolar type 1 for 12 years until i finally got my diagnosis for schizoaffective bipolar. Life changing now i can actually explain to people how i am. I would always let people know about bipolar but people assume its all the good things about bipolar then I'd have a psychotic break and i lost lots of friends and relationships because they didn't know what to expect and when looking up bipolar it didnt match with what i was going through people accused me of faking my illness or it just being too much for them to handle and they didn't sighn up for that . At least now i can point them in the right direction of where to get information from. My medications haven't changed as i was already on a high dose of quatiapine and lithium . I also take atomoxitine wich is an snri as opposed to an ssri wich would send me manic

[@frankensteinvideo5858]

great video :) how do you deal with your'e cognitive symptoms and how would you explain cognitive symptoms?

[@Deimos_Eris]

i got the same thing but for me i wasnt able to get out of my room for 7years barely going out and have difficulty to even take a shower and eating food

[@craigsmithx]

In your future videos please don't change the zoom so often when you do video cuts. Good audio, content, lighting & framing.

[@WWS322]

I'm doing well these days. I have had problems explaining how I felt, putting things into words. How feeling nothing is a bad sensation. I didn't respect others for a long time though I did have empathy in extreme situations. Of course other people feel bad. And I know others are damaged too.

[@LiamODonovan-l6e]

You are a beautiful person, love your channe.l you are an intelligent woman. You are very informative person

[@SchizoKitzo]

I’ll take it, thanks!

[@makaveli4205]

I'm bi polar manic depression. It took me years to find out. Mental illness wasn't really a thing in the 1980s and 1990s.

[@jaundekoker2141]

I get the worst cognitive symptoms like distorted thinking

[@cuddlebug8106]

Having this disorder is like something out of an HP Lovecraft novel during a manic episode. I’ve only had 2 in my lifetime and they’re awful.

[@alexprieto8277]

I had a panic attack in 2011. since then I had been trying to treat my SZA and OCD. I was living in Florida and had to move TO NYC because my father lived here. boy has my life sucked. NYC is not a good place if your living on SSI and have severe mental illness.... but it was the best move I had. Id like to get a job or have a remote position, something to save up money and move someolace else. I'm on my own and it sucks but.... that's my life.

[@RiverJumper2]

Hello, is there a discord channel or somewhere where we can get in contact with each other's? I also am affected by schizoaffective disorder and I think it would be honestly interesting to have a pen pal sort of relationship with you, to hear more about the time you feel you wasted while in new York City and the ups and downs of schizoaffective disorder. Hope to hear from you

[@marc31415]

I experience Emotional Distress & Physical Pain if I keep trying to accomplish the simple task of cleaning the dishes. (it becomes, no longer, a simple task)

[@ryu7560]

I suffer from severe negative and cognitive symptoms unfortunately 😞

[@nicolamustard7232]

It's so hard....😔❤️

[@Troy-ol5fk]

I have anhedonia for sure

[@lisatomihiro3488]

I have heard about the disability to read other people's emotions. Is that also a negative symptom or just a regular symptom?

[@SchizoKitzo]

The only negative symptoms I know of I mentioned in this video. If there are more I am unaware of them. Good question and I wish I had a better answer!

[@FaithOnTheEarth]

What's that have to do with Charles Xavier and Rogue or Putin and N Korea?

[@drewharris7785]

Where ARE you in this video?

[@SchizoKitzo]

A corner of my apartment?

[@WaadHashim-sw3vc]

Did the auditory hallucinations disappear?

[@SchizoKitzo]

Nah they just improved a lot with meds

[@daniels4209]

nope on another level with my schizoaffective disorder.

[@BornWarriors]

They can never agree in the UK if I have Schizoaffective disorder Bipolar type or Bipolar Type 1 with Psychosis LOL My names Lee I also have a channel its a few years old now but I am still living the dream

[@farisakhtar4824]

Isn't asociality just social anhedonia? Being asocial isn't necessarily part of a mental illness, whereas social anhedonia is.

[@mynameiswalrus3823]

Is it minecraft music in the background ?

[@SchizoKitzo]

Nah it’s “A New Beginning” by Esther Abrami

[@Yelrebmikkim]

Humm, sounds like my bipolar is giving em some mild negative symptoms. Fun times.

[@horizonblack]

Sparkly eyes! I mean, yes, negative symptoms are the whole reason we consider mental illness bad. mutter mutter something important mutter mutter... SPARKLY EYES!!!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Haha it was fun to do this look!

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video! must suck remembering all you missed out on in new york😁