[38F] Experiencing auditory hallucinations and severe nightmares

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Schizophrenia: This is a serious mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices, are a common symptom. Your family history of schizophrenia (your aunt) could potentially increase your risk.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and coordinated specialty care services.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Your history of witnessing domestic violence and the resulting blackouts could be indicative of PTSD.

  • Treatment usually involves psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and exposure therapy), medications, or both.

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You've mentioned being diagnosed with depression and your worsening mood could be a sign of uncontrolled depression.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication (like your Zoloft), psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your Zoloft as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms you're experiencing are serious and require professional help. You may need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist who can provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
3. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals if you're feeling distressed or if your symptoms worsen.
4. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Poor sleep can exacerbate mental health symptoms.

What you should look out for

• If your symptoms worsen or if you start to have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate medical attention.
• If you notice any side effects from your medication, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating, feeling nervous, restless, fatigued, sleepy or having trouble sleeping (insomnia), contact your doctor.
• If your mood continues to worsen or if you start to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, reach out to a mental health professional.

Remember, I'm an artificial intelligence and while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.