Question 1

could a person see and hear imaginary friends as an adult, but not have schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: While common in children, it is rare in adults but not necessarily part of a psychosis. And not all psychotic symptoms are schizophrenia. If there are none of the other diagnostic signs, it's not schizophrenia. If no other disordered thinking, it's not a psychosis. Some writers experience such relationships w/ their characters.  Don't worry.

Question 2

the percent of people who are testing positive for coronavirus in new york city is and has been 1% to 2% for around 2 months. is it now safe to have small gatherings with friends (around 5 to 8 adults). if not, when might it be considered to be safe?

Accepted Answer

COVID 19 concerns:  Sorry, I know you have inquired about this a number of times but there is not a solid answer. Were you the gentleman whose friends like to play cards but will not wear masks?  Until there is a well disseminated, effective vaccine- I think it is still prudent to stay away from people who are not willing to wear masks or to socially distance themselves. Take care.

Question 3

do children get annual blood work like adults? i have friends whose pedis do some workup every year; mine does not(both kids healthy). whats standard?

Accepted Answer

They do not: Good news, there is no benefit to performing routine bloodwork in healthy children and even adults.  There are certain ages (1 year-old) where tests for anemia or lead levels may be performed (and a few others for adults at certain times). Otherwise testing without a reason is more likely to cause undo harm because lab error becomes more likely than randomly finding an occult treatable illness.

Question 4

removal of tonsils in most of my boomer adult friends. why did they do that to us kids?

Accepted Answer

Meant well: That was before evidence-based medicine. Doctors could perform procedures and get paid before proving that they actually helped.

Question 5

at what age do children stop having imaginary friends?

Accepted Answer

Between 3 and 7: Usually by age 5 they stop with their imaginary friends. Some may go a little longer. Imaginary friends can be very helpful to children...They help them cope and provide hours of entertainment. They can help them express thoughts and feelings that they may not be comfortable expressing directly.

Question 6

i've had super realistic imaginary friends since i was very young, within the past year they have begun to merge with reality... any idea as to why?

Accepted Answer

Psychosis: It is time to see a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist since the merging of fanatasy and reality are certainly signs of psychopathology. I advise immediate evaluation.

Question 7

my sister is 16, and she has an imaginary friends when 7 'til now. is it normal for a 16yo to have imaginary friend? what could i do to help her?

Accepted Answer

Talk to her: It's not normal to have imaginary friends at 16 so i would encourage her to see her doctor.  In the meantime, try to encourage her to meet and talk with real friends.

Question 8

i'm talking to imaginary people sometimes even out loud i cry and laugh with em. i can't focus in real world cause busy talking to my imaginary friends.

Accepted Answer

Psychiatrist: For peace of mind consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. You may not have a serious psychiatric problem if you realize that these images are imaginary and don't interfere with your activities of daily living. Although you seem to have sensible insight into your behavior, I still would like a specialist to confirm that there is no significant psychiatric problem going on.

Question 9

can adult squints be cured?

Accepted Answer

It is possible: If the squint comes and goes then it may be possible to watch and see if it gets any worse.
 Sometimes it is possible to treat the squint with glasses or exercises.
 If these do not work then it may be that we need to consider doing an operation to move the muscles which control the eye to a better position to straighten the eyes
up.

Question 10

how can i be big as my friends?

Accepted Answer

Check your genes: If your parents and grandparents weren't big, unlikely you will be either. Also, teens hit puberty & growth at different paces, so they may just be ahead of you for now--you may catch up / surpass them in time. Cut yourself some slack--you have to accept you for you before anyone else will!

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Doctor answers about:

Imaginary friends in adults

A member asked:

Could a person see and hear imaginary friends as an adult, but not have schizophrenia?

A member asked:

The percent of people who are testing positive for coronavirus in new york city is and has been 1% to 2% for around 2 months. is it now safe to have small gatherings with friends (around 5 to 8 adults). if not, when might it be considered to be safe?

A member asked:

Do children get annual blood work like adults? i have friends whose pedis do some workup every year; mine does not(both kids healthy). whats standard?

A member asked:

Removal of tonsils in most of my boomer adult friends. why did they do that to us kids?

A member asked:

At what age do children stop having imaginary friends?

A member asked:

I've had super realistic imaginary friends since i was very young, within the past year they have begun to merge with reality... any idea as to why?

A member asked:

My sister is 16, and she has an imaginary friends when 7 'til now. is it normal for a 16yo to have imaginary friend? what could i do to help her?

A member asked:

I'm talking to imaginary people sometimes even out loud i cry and laugh with em. i can't focus in real world cause busy talking to my imaginary friends.

A member asked:

Can adult squints be cured?

A member asked:

How can i be big as my friends?

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