Today, we are going to discuss the relationship between schizophrenia and anger issues. A reader wrote: Dear Dr. Van Pelt, I recently saw a comment on a local blog and would like to know what you think:
"...he has never been bankrupt. I may have mental problems..."
Sincerely,
Lonely Heart in Nederland
ANSWER: Thanks for reading Lonely Heart. This is a most interesting comment. It clearly shows two things. First, that there are actually TWO different manifestations writing the comment. The first, clearly denies the bankruptcy in the third person yet, almost immediately, in the first person, accepts the existence of mental illness. It is important to note here that 'he' may not necessarily refer to the individual as a unique personality but may also encompass other personalities as well. For example, perhaps the patient is denying the bankruptcy of a particular personality while in fact other facets under his control (like COMPANIES) were, in fact, forced into bankruptcy. This is an unusual occurrence in that it is obvious that one of the personalities is in control, and then, like turning the page of a book, a second, distinct personality takes over. The second aspect shows the subliminal presence of a personality that is trapped by at least one personae, and perhaps more, that may be formulating some primitive cognitive rational thought. This is not uncommon in patients with extreme schizophrenia. Deep inside, there is a primtive, almost childlike essence that is struggling to survive. Often times, this more rational personality is suppressed by more dominate ones that express great OUTRAGE in an effort to exhort some primitive self assurances in support of lacking esteem issues.
An interesting case.
