Common Myths and Facts about Schizophrenia 18 May 2023
Myth: People with schizophrenia have split/multiple personalities
Written by Inna Abrogena
Symptoms of schizophrenia do not relate to the personality of the person. People with schizophrenia experience hallucinations or delusions which affect how they perceive reality. Their attention, concentration, and planning skills may be affected also. Having “split” or multiple personalities are common symptoms of dissociative identity disorder (DID) which comes from childhood trauma.
Myth: People with schizophrenia cannot live a normal life
Schizophrenia is a life-long mental illness and there is no “cure” however, people with schizophrenia are still able to live well and manage their symptoms with proper treatment and support. Treatment commonly includes taking medication as well as different interventions such as therapy, family therapy, art therapy, social skills training, and supported employment. People respond differently to the treatment and therapies however doctors and mental health professionals will help find what suits them and their situation the best.
If you know someone with schizophrenia, due to stigma and misconceptions about their illness, they may not want to seek professional help, or they might not go as regularly. Respectfully encourage them to continue with their treatment and ask how you can best help them. Remind them that working with professionals is the best way to manage their symptoms.
Myth: People with schizophrenia are violent or dangerous
In some movies, people with schizophrenia are shown as violent or dangerous which causes misconception. Most people with schizophrenia do not commit violent crimes even though they have a higher risk of violence compared to others. People with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and at risk of harming themselves than others. Violent acts are linked more to people with schizophrenia who also take in a lot of drugs and alcohol.
Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia are more likely to have self-harm behavior, suicide attempts, and death by suicide. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness and people with this diagnosis may be severely affected by stigma and believe that they will not be able to have a normal life. If someone you know has schizophrenia, offer support by letting them know you are there to offer a listening ear and continue to encourage them to keep going with their treatments.
References:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizophrenia/about-schizophrenia/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/schizophrenia/misconceptions-setting-record-straight/
https://www.britannica.com/list/5-common-misconceptions-about-schizophrenia
