I have a question about Schizophrenia

I've often heard (not sure if it's stereotypical or cliche) that people with schizophrenia do what the "voices in their head" tell them to... But do all schizophrenics feel compelled to "obey" to these voices...? I'd be so annoyed if some "voices" tell me to do something I'd probably do the opposite just to annoy them... So I don't understand... I get that voices appear, or "people" appear and they "talk" to the person... but does a schizophrenic always [i]has to[/i], or feels the need to, [i]obey[/i] the "voices"...?

I don't have schizophrenia and I know no one with schizophrenia so that's why I ask...

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Graylight · 51-55, F

Generally speaking, schizophrenia is widely misunderstood. The "voice" in the sufferer's head is typically a disembodied vocal phenomena, not "other people" or visions. And nearly without fail, it's a voice of derision and criticism, not an evil angel dictating foul deeds. Sufferers in the throes of the disorder often simply mumble to themselves or remain silent altogether. So no, they don't have to follow directions because there are often none given.

Psychosis and delusions of grandeur are altogether different things.

greenmountaingal · 70-79, F

@Graylight My own voices, caused by delirium, were about 90% negative and critical, often reminding me of miserable and/or humiliating experiences.

Graylight · 51-55, F

@greenmountaingal, Yeah we don't know yet why that is. Even people who experience temporary psychosis and hallucinations experience the same thing. That and persecution. Must be something about human nature.

greenmountaingal · 70-79, F

@Graylight My own take on it, at least for my own case of delirium, is that when the body or brain is ill, it sends out warning and danger signals to urge you to get medical or other help. Sometimes this touches on the parts of your brain where bad memories and experiences are stored.

Graylight · 51-55, F

@greenmountaingal Could be. It's as good as any other theory.