What causes people to start hearing voices?
Hi, voices are literally caused by too much of a chemical called Dopamine 2 in the brain. Voices can be a feature of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression or even very severe anxiety and are a feature of many psychoses. I have heard voices now for approximately ten years as part of my bipolar – it can be controlled with antipsychotic meds if necessary and it is fully possible to lead a normal life. All the best to you.
Hello Stacey, This is quite a complicated one. Hearing voices it not always a sign of mental illness. Some people just do hear them and do not suffer. It is more common if you are isolated or very tired. Sometimes a fever can cause it to happen. It also depends on what the voices are like, and what they say….if you hear people talking about you rather then to you, that is a bit more worrying. Voices can be associated with depression and schiziphrenia too sometimes. It depends again on what they are saying. for example, running you down or trying to control you. I wouldn’t worry too much, but I think it would be a good idea to have a talk to the doctor rather than relying on this site. The doctor will probably ask you other things as well to try and sort it out. Good luck.
hearing voices is actually quite common and only about a third of people who do (that are known about) are diagnosed with mental illness. It’s really nothing to worry about and unless you show other signs of mental illness or it’s adversely affecting your life then you don’t even have to go to the doctor. In the case of something like schizophrenia it is where for unknown reasons (there are various theories) you are unable to differentiate between your own thoughts and reality, you can also have similar experiences related to bipolar and other illnesses. It probably would be going to the doctors though and they’ll probably give you someone to talk to and assess you. Also just out of curiosity do you actually hear them (through your ears) or do you hear them inside your head sorta like thoughts that aren’t yours and what sort of tone do they use and what do they say?
In your case if its not schizophrenia or a related disorder then the cause could be a head injury or exposure to a toxic substance (certain pesticides or herbicides if you live on or near a farm, also molds that grow under carpet and in other places in your house). Regardless the cause it is not normal to hear voices other than your own conscience. You should see a doctor right as soon as possible. And I mean like right now because if you were exposed to something toxic you need to get it out of your system right away to minimize the damage.
