Myths about Schizophrenia

Myths about Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Myths and Misconceptions

1. Is schizophrenia a split personality?
-   No. Too many people have the idea that someone with Schizophrenia can appear perfectly normal at one time and suddenly change into a different person. This is nonsense. We misuse Schizophrenia in two different ways. By it we may mean 'having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.' This is just part of human nature - a much better word is 'ambivalent.' Just as commonly. we may mean that someone behaves in very different ways at different times. Again, this is part of human nature.
-   It is not that 'schizo' means 'split' or 'phrenia' refers to the 'mind.' Schizophrenia does not mean 'spit personality.' Schizophrenia is a brain dysfunction due to chemical imbalances. Split personality on the other hand, is whereby an individual develops different 'personalities' to cope with difficult life situations.

2. Schizophrenia is not a real disease?
-   No. It is a brain-related dysfunction considered as a real disease that requires medical help. In fact, Schizophrenia is not rare. About 1 of every 100 people will have it sometime during early adulthood or later.

3. Are Schizophrenia medications addictive?
-   No. Taking medications for Schizophrenia is not habit-forming. Medicines designed to reduce they symptoms of Schizophrenia are not addictive. There are some brands of medicine that cause side effects but are nevertheless, not habit-forming.

4. Can medications stop once symptoms improve or disappear?
-   No. Prescribed medications must be taken right away every day, although symptoms may improve or some may even totally disappear. Medicine intake should continue as usual or relapse can occur. Remember that Schizophrenia cannot totally be cured, but only managed via medication throughout the person's life.

5. Does medicine alone improve Schizophrenic symptoms?
-   No. Medicine helps improve physical symptoms associated with Schizophrenia. But because the disorder affects other life areas, such as one's social and emotional well-being, additional therapies are needed to address issues like regaining self-esteem, learning new job skills, and dealing with other people.

6. Persons with Schizophrenia have low intelligence?
-   No. Schizophrenia can affect people of any level of intelligence. However, poor control of symptoms or multiple occurrences may prevent one to function as well as he or she used to.

7. Are people with Schizophrenia unpredictable?
-   On the whole, no more than anyone else.

8. Doesn't Schizophrenia make people dangerous?
-   People who suffer from Schizophrenia are rarely dangerous. Any violent behavior is usually sparked off by street drugs or alcohol. This is exactly the same as for people who don't suffer from Schizophrenia.

9. People with Schizophrenia are always disabled and cannot live on their own?
- No. The process may take a little longer than usual, but persons with Schizophrenia are capable of independent living. with proper treatment, many are able to go back to school, find a job, and become productive citizens, as well as engage in long-lasting relationships.


10. Schizophrenia never gets better.
No. 1 in 4 or 5 people will get better within the first five years of treatment.

Next: The Definition or Meaning of Schizophrenia