How do you know if you have schizophrenia?

Since I got disability, the state took my health insurance away, so I can't see a doctor.
I am bi-polar, but I can't take the meds due to horrible side effects. Lately I've been so bitchy, mean and miserable to other people that it actually hurts me. It's like something is completely taking over me and I can't control it.
I'm fine when I'm by myself, just lonely, but when I'm in the presence of someone else, I just feel I have to insult or aggrevate them non-stop. I hate it and I feel horrible even while I'm doing it, but I just can't control this thing.

My boyfriend said it may be schizophrenia. Is that what it could be?

I have a question, have you been diagnosed with bi-polar depressive disorder? If you have, then to be honest bi-polar depression can lead to schizophrenia. I am a mental health worker/social worker in a day treatment program. I work with schizophrenics on a daily basis and I must disagree with many of the comments people are making to you. From a professional stand point I cannot diagnose you as being Schizophrenic, a Psychiatrist would have to evaulate you. Yes, medications can have side effects depending upon how much your doses are and what medications you are on. It is possible you may have schizophrenia due to the nature of your actions. I would not rule it out directly. Schizophrenia can be diagnosed in high and low functioning people. I work with both of these people every day. So, the comment someone made about how only low functioning crazy people are schizophrenic is a false statement. Just to let you know, you can go to any state or county hospital and they have to see you whether you have money or not. It is the law. I would recommend you try that or even try the idea someone had about saving money to see a doctor. Although a psych. evaluation can be costly. I personally think you would benefit from group therapy sessions which are offered in the community for free. I think it would be good for you to talk about how you are feeling and the actions that are projected from those feelings. You are not crazy, your brain just is not working the way it should. It is a chemical imbalance probably or an affect from something in your life that occured. Have you ever used drugs, heavily drank, or had a brain injury of some sort? If so that may lead to schizophrenia. Also, bi-polar disorder can be genetic as well as come from the situations in one's life. Honestly, I would recommend you try to take care of this regardless of money before it escalates and becomes worse. If it is Schizophrenia, you appear to be high-functioning and you can learn to live with it. Good luck to you and try some of the things I mentioned, I hope they help.

when you have 5 friends but only need one movie ticket!!!
If you start thinking Bush is cool you have schizophenia.
Schizophrenia .. is having delusions, hearing voices , and thinking "grand" schemes.
Sounds like you have a personality disorder.. and depression (part of bi-polar) and make you aggrivated and moody.
BTW, not all medicines have the same side effects... a doctor visit is not THAT much.. if you save up.. you could go and find a medicine that is right for you...
If you budget , maybe you can afford the medicine.
Also, exercise and St. John's Wart will help with depression.. but do NOT do that too much. .. or it will make you more manic.. when you have your "ups".
Your insults and such are a way of releasing excess energy. Creativity can be an alternative to this.
doesn't sound like schizophrenia to me. the fact that you can phrase and write questions and verbalize your feelings coherently does not suggest schizophrenia. tell your boyfriend that he doesn't know what he's talking about. schizophrenia is debilitating. schizo's speech rambles on incoherently, they often hear voices. they suffer from hallucinations and delusions. they are the epitome of "crazy" but are not psychopathic.

you sound like you're still bipolar, or manic-depressive as it is also called. i'm sorry that you can't see a doctor or psychologist because i feel that they could help you.
I know schizophrenia can show itself in many different ways such as hallucinations or hearing voices. Do you think that you having these problems because you are bi-polar and do not have the meds you need to control your disorder. There are all sorts of drugs out there that will not cause such horrible side effects. Sometimes you have to try a couple or 4 types to find the correct one, but...what a difference it will make

What state are you in that takes away your health insurance when you go on disability. I would go and see any doctor that you can get into and talk it over with them. Then I would look into some drug programs that are geared towards people who can not afford the meds that they need. Some will get you your meds for FREE!! You can try www.needymeds.com this will give you a list of manufacturers that can help with financial assistance for the meds you need. Good Luck :) I know it is hard, but I'm sure things will come around for you.