3 Things People (Still) Misunderstand about Schizophrenia Image Source: Pexels.com Schizophrenia is a seri...
3 Things People (Still) Misunderstand about Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a
serious mental condition that affects the way a person thinks, acts, shows
emotions, and relates to others. Believe it or not, there are a lot of
misconceptions about schizophrenia. A lot of rumors are spread through media
like TV shows and movies. However, there are plenty of stereotypes out there
about this sensitive mental illness. Below, we'll dig a little deeper into some
of the most common myths about schizophrenia.
People with
Schizophrenia are Dangerous
In many movies and TV shows, the killer is often a person who suffers from mental illness, such as schizophrenia. Although people who suffer from this mental illness can act unpredictably, they aren't violent, even more so if they're in a treatment plan. Although some people with this kind of brain conditions can break the law by committing violent acts, this is often due to another condition like substance abuse in addition to it. Plus, many people without any sort of mental health condition commit crimes every day, much more frequently than those with schizophrenia or any similar condition.
According to research studies, people with schizophrenia are more frequently found to be victims of violent crimes, rather than being the ones that commit it. However, the narrative is usually people with mental health problems being the sole person responsible for shootings and massacres. People with mental health problems tend to be creative, friendly people once you meet them. Some people like linking mental health issues to evil, but that is simply not the case. It's important to overcome stereotypes and accept people for who they are.
Schizophrenia Isn't
Split Personality Disorder
One of the biggest misconceptions about schizophrenia is the confusion between this mental disorder and split personality disorder. In a recent poll, nearly 64 percent of Americans thought that schizophrenia was the same as split personality disorder, which is when an individual thinks they're one or more different identities.
However, a person who suffers from schizophrenia doesn't suffer from split personality disorder. Instead, they believe in falsehoods or have trouble keeping in touch with reality. As you can see, the two disorders are completely unrelated. Just because one person has a mental health condition, doesn't mean that they have the same symptoms of every mental health issue.
Schizophrenia is known as a spectrum disorder, which means that there aren't limited types of symptoms, but there are common ones that you should be aware of, especially if you are frequently in contact with schizophrenic people. Not everyone with schizophrenia experiences the same exact symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms can come and go, meaning no one has all the same symptoms all the time. Someone with this condition may experience:
- Hallucinations
- Somatic delusions
- Disorganized thought and speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Emotionless and withdrawn
- Difficulty paying attention or remembering things
Those with
Schizophrenia Should be in a Mental Hospital
Back in the day, people with any sort of perceived mental illness would be sent to an asylum or even a
prison. Nowadays, experts know a lot more about this disease, how it affects
people, and how to treat it. This means that fewer and fewer people are being
sent to live in long-term mental health facilities. In fact, most people with
schizophrenia are able to live ordinary lives because of improved treatment
methods.
Typically, they live with family members or in supportive community housing facilities. They work regular jobs, get married, and live productive lives, just like everyone else. This is thanks to the improvement in treatment techniques. Though it is difficult to treat this disease, it is not impossible. With the proper combination of therapy and medicine, around 25 percent of people with this condition will make a full recovery. Another 50 percent will see a marked improvement in their condition. True, it is more difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job, it is still entirely possible with treatment.
In this article, we talked about the many misconceptions of schizophrenia. Not only can it sway your opinion of people who suffer from mental disorders, but it's extremely offensive to the people with them. It's crucial that you have the ability to set fact aside from fiction, so we can spread the actual truth of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. With the help of the information conveyed above, you should be able to correct the many misunderstandings of this mental health disorder. So, start spreading the word around today and help correct people's misconceptions of schizophrenia.
Typically, they live with family members or in supportive community housing facilities. They work regular jobs, get married, and live productive lives, just like everyone else. This is thanks to the improvement in treatment techniques. Though it is difficult to treat this disease, it is not impossible. With the proper combination of therapy and medicine, around 25 percent of people with this condition will make a full recovery. Another 50 percent will see a marked improvement in their condition. True, it is more difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job, it is still entirely possible with treatment.
In this article, we talked about the many misconceptions of schizophrenia. Not only can it sway your opinion of people who suffer from mental disorders, but it's extremely offensive to the people with them. It's crucial that you have the ability to set fact aside from fiction, so we can spread the actual truth of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. With the help of the information conveyed above, you should be able to correct the many misunderstandings of this mental health disorder. So, start spreading the word around today and help correct people's misconceptions of schizophrenia.
