Misconceptions
People often have misconceptions about schizophrenia. Some think that it is a curse and has to be treated by sorcerers and faith healers. Others even question that since schizophrenia is penance for sins in a previous life, why should one go to a doctor?
Anyway, all these are old beliefs and can be refuted easily. However, there are other misconceptions that seem real but are in fact not entirely true.
Misconception: “Aren’t all people with schizophrenia violent?”
Truth: People with schizophrenia are no more violent than the common man or woman. Unless patients forget to take their medications, are using drugs excessively or have a history of violence, there is no difference between the “normal” population and the population of people with schizophrenia. This portrayal has mainly been spread through the media and if anything, people suffering from this disease are the opposite. They tend to be passive, anxious and fearful of others/the environment.
Misconception: “Schizophrenia is the same as split personality.”
Truth: People with schizophrenia are no more violent than the common man or woman. Unless patients forget to take their medications, are using drugs excessively or have a history of violence, there is no difference between the “normal” population and the population of people with schizophrenia. This portrayal has mainly been spread through the media and if anything, people suffering from this disease are the opposite. They tend to be passive, anxious and fearful of others/the environment.
Misconception: “Schizophrenia is the same as split personality.”
Truth: Split personality is actually an illness called ‘dissociative disorder,’ and it occurs when there are two or more personalities within one person. People with schizophrenia only have one personality. Schizophrenia is derived from the Greek word "split mind," referring solely to the split in reality that is commonly experienced by people with schizophrenia.
Misconception: “Dysfunctional families can cause schizophrenia.”
Truth: There has been no causal relationship found between families and schizophrenia. However, the more conflicts and instability at home, the more stress one experiences and the more likely one is to relapse.
Misconception: “There is no hope of recovering.”
Truth: Being diagnosed with schizophrenia does not mean that one will necessarily have a lifelong illness. Some people are able to improve and recover over time.
Misconception: “Dysfunctional families can cause schizophrenia.”
Truth: There has been no causal relationship found between families and schizophrenia. However, the more conflicts and instability at home, the more stress one experiences and the more likely one is to relapse.
Misconception: “There is no hope of recovering.”
Truth: Being diagnosed with schizophrenia does not mean that one will necessarily have a lifelong illness. Some people are able to improve and recover over time.
Reference:
Picture taken from http://www.rrj.ca/images/article/539.jpgInformation taken from http://www.macalester.edu/psychology/whathap/ubnrp/DopaHypoWeb04/anava_page_8.html
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