Mental Health - SCHIZOPHRENIA - Misconception-of-Schizophrenia

Misconception of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms. These include:

hallucinations - hearing or seeing things that do not exist
delusions - unusual beliefs that are not based on reality and often contradict the evidence
muddled thoughts based on the hallucinations or delusions
changes in behaviour

Doctors describe schizophrenia as a psychotic illness. This means that sometimes a person may not be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. However, most experts believe that the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How common is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is one of the most common serious mental health conditions. The 2000 National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity in the UK found that 5 in 1000 people experienced a psychotic disorder (including schizophrenia and manic depression). Men and women are equally affected by the condition.

In men, schizophrenia usually begins between the ages of 15 and 30. In women, schizophrenia usually occurs later, beginning between the ages of 25 and 30.

Misconceptions

Schizophrenia is often poorly understood and many people have misconceptions about it. Two of the most common misconceptions about schizophrenia are:

People with schizophrenia have a split or dual personality.
People with schizophrenia are violent.

Split personality

It is commonly thought that people with schizophrenia have a split personality, acting perfectly normally one minute and irrationally or bizarrely the next. However, this is not true. Although the term schizophrenia is a Greek word that means 'split mind', the term was first used long before the condition was properly understood.

It would be more accurate to say that people with schizophrenia have a mind that can experience episodes of dysfunction and disorder.

Violent crime

Most studies confirm that there is a link between violence and schizophrenia. However, the media tend to exaggerate this, with acts of violence committed by people with schizophrenia getting a great deal of high-profile media coverage. This gives the impression that such acts happen frequently when they are in fact very rare.

The reality is that violent crime is more likely to be linked to alcohol or other substance misuse than to schizophrenia. A person with schizophrenia is far more likely to be the victim of violent crime than the instigator.

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Quotes

"I have to scrutinize my every thought, every attitude, every emotion, everything, and ask, ‘Is this real?’"

Yeon Kim

"In 2003 I went to Everest for the first time and trekked to base camp. It was symbolic of my own journey with schizophrenia and conquering my own mountains."

Stuart

"I hadn't had anything to do with street drugs for about 4 years now and was warned that involvement with them or alcohol would cause a worsening of the symptoms."

Garry

"I had gradual onset schizophrenia but a bad LSD trip is what triggered my psychosis. I had smoked pot daily for my last two years of high school, drank every weekend and occasionally took acid."

Nick

"It‘s so weird waking up and not really knowing where I am, seeing things that aren’t really there, and hearing things that are in my head but aren’t in front of me or connected to electronic."

Karin

"I fear sleep because my dreams have become too lucid and it becomes hard to know what reality is. Only slowly I remembered the strange things. And I realized that all was fantasy."

Joey

"I was working on my computer and then I heard someone talking to me. She whispered, "Hey... how's it going tonight?" And she hasn't left since."

Anonymous

"My doctor encourages me to get a part time job. I enjoy cooking so I am thinking about getting a job as a cook."

Jason

"I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in my early twenties. I have a university degree, I am self employed as a writer, and artist and engaged to a girl I met at uni. I live independently."

David

"There can be life after schizophrenia: in my own case, nearly thirty years of a very satisfying and rewarding, though not always easy, existence."

Christine

"I was so tired and didn't feel I had much fight left in me, but I knew I had to keep going."

Sophie

"Truth be, many days the only face to face I have with anyone is the checkout clerk, but even that is of value to me."

Jay

"I dont wanna be popular would just love to be able to interact socially and have a good friend or two."

Anonymous

"I continued with my exercise and voluntary work and the weight just came off so quick... it was unbelievable; I looked and felt great. I was no longer sedated and full of hope! I was ALIVE again and I thought that was it."

David

"All is NOT lost. Hope and survival live within your strength to follow the one path that might work for you!"

Tony

"I had just received my college degree in English when I was diagnosed with schizophrenia eighteen years ago. For a long time, I couldn’t concentrate enough to read. But with my new medication, I can read again. I play the viola and love the Bach cello sui"

Elizabeth

"Others believe that schizophrenics never recover from their illness—that they remain deluded for the rest of their life. How untrue. The recovery rates are getting better all the time."

Zack

"What disappoints us a little is that insecurity toward our son, that we almost have to invite them to get in contact, that we have to say: Why don’t you give him a call some time? …And then we hear ‘What should we talk about with him, which questions shal"

Anna

"I had been diagnosed with schizophrenia when I learned that I was pregnant. When my mother told our neighbors that I was pregnant, they asked: ‘When is the abortion going to take place?’ That is stigma, a big stigma. My daughter is now six years old."

Mary

"My illness has been abated, I am productive again, and I plan on having a normal existence for the rest of my life."

Kurt

"I kept hearing the neighbours banging on the walls trying to play on my nerves (or so I thought). My response was to run not just out of the house, but to get as far away as possible"

Mark

"Nobody takes you aside at school and says, "Look you might get a mental illness!""

Mark

"My mom told me she had thought something was wrong with me when I was in high school but she didn't know what it was"

Nick

"I DID NOT have any religious delusions, I did not have delusions about aliens, the FBI, the CIA, or about cameras following me or people plotting against me, or microchips planted in me"

Nick

"I was afraid I would go stark, screaming mad and lose control and not be aware of anything around me"

Nick

"You might feel so embarrassed and worried what people might think or say, but the most important thing is to talk"

Bethany

"My mind has been both my best friend and my worst enemy."

Elyn

"Creative people, like those with psychotic illnesses, tend to see the world differently to most. It's like looking at a shattered mirror."

Mark

"My greatest fear is this brain of mine….The worst thing imaginable is to be terrified of one’s own mind, the very matter that controls all that we are and all that we do and feel."

M. Torrey

"The most of people would want a friend to tell them if they were diagnosed with schizophrenia, but only a few persons say they would tell friends if they themselves were diagnosed."

Marlena

"You may learn something about yourself as you learn about a family member's mental disorder."

Anonymous

"Don't forget your sense of humor!"

Ian

"I think that mental illnesses as Schizophrenia, are a part of the varied fabric of life."

Bill

"Recognizing that a person has different capabilities than you, should not mean that you expect nothing of them."

Marilyn

"It is as hard for the individual to accept the disorder as it is for other family members."

Dan

More Send us your Quotes

Tips & Hints

Spot the signs of an acute schizophrenic episode
Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your app...
Learning to recognise the signs that you’re becoming unwell can help you manage your illness. These signs can include losing your appetite, feeling anxious or stressed or having disturbed sleep. You may also notice some of the milder symptoms developing, such as feeling suspicious or fearful, worrying about people’s motives, hearing voices quietly or occasionally, or finding it difficult to concentrate. You might wish to ask someone you trust to tell you if they notice your behaviour changing. Recognising the initial signs of an acute schizophrenic episode can be very useful. It may be possible to prevent a full-blown schizophrenic episode through the use of antipsychotic medicines and extra support.
More
Avoid drugs and alcohol
While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse ...
While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief from your symptoms of schizophrenia, they are likely to make your symptoms worse in the long run. Alcohol can cause depression and psychosis, while illegal drugs may make your schizophrenia worse. Drugs and alcohol can also react badly with antipsychotic medicines. If you are currently using drugs or alcohol and you are finding it hard to stop, ask your care coordinator or GP for help.
More
Take your medication
It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can ...
It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t start to feel better immediately. Continuous medication can help prevent relapses. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication you are taking or side effects, talk to your GP or care coordinator.
More
Have regular reviews
As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team mea...
As part of the care program approach, you will be in contact with your healthcare team regularly. A good relationship with the team means that you can easily discuss your symptoms or concerns. The more the team knows, the more it can help you.
More
Self-care
Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from ...
Self-care is an integral part of daily life. It means that you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with support from the people involved in your care. Self-care includes the things you do each day to stay fit, maintain good physical and mental health, prevent illness or accidents, and effectively deal with minor ailments and long-term conditions. People living with long-term conditions can benefit enormously if they have support for self-care. They can live longer, have less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life and are more active and independent.
More

List all your questions

Make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor or therapist and take it with you to your next visit. You won’t forget to ask an...

Don’t neglect your physical health

Even though you may be visiting your doctor to get over an addiction or mental illness, don’t forget that your physical health is ver...

Recognise the signs

Learn to recognise the signs that you are getting unwell – these can include basic things like such as going off your food, feeling a...

Avoid stress

Try to avoid getting too stressed, or using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Make sure you are able to do things that you enjoy....

Medication

Taking medication can be a hassle for most persons – even when it is just for a few days. One of the hardest aspects of schizophrenia...

Avoid stress and other environmental triggers

Stress and trauma are considered possible causes of schizophrenia. In any event, stress and unpleasant situations can serve as triggers...

Take therapy

There is an assortment of therapies from which schizophrenics can choose. Therapy and the support of family and peers are complementary...

Establish routines

For some of the persons living with schizophrenia, taking care of themselves can be a problem. It is especially important for those who...

Communicate with family and peers

For a schizophrenic, isolation might easily lead to a relapse. Given the importance of proper support, it is advisable that schizophren...

Looking after yourself

Recent studies have looked at the possible advantages of improved nutrition for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Some studies have s...

Talking treatments

Talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), can help to manage and treat schizophrenia...

Alternative therapies

Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehan...

Alternative therapies

Tai chi, yoga and relaxation techniques can also be of benefit, although it might be a good idea to discuss the possibilities beforehan...

Self-help Groups

Self-help groups provide an important opportunity for you and your family to share experiences and ways of coping, to campaign for bett...

Manage stress

Stress can trigger psychosis and make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse, so keeping it under control is extremely important. Know you...

Try to get plenty of sleep

When you’re on medication, you most likely need even more sleep than the standard 8 hours. Many people with schizophrenia have troubl...

Get regular exercise

Studies show that regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. That’s on top of all the emotional and physical hea...

Do things that make you feel good about yourself

If you can’t get a job, find other activities that give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Cultivate a passion or a hobby. He...

Set and work toward life goals

Having schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work, have relationships, and get involved in your community. It’s important to set m...

Pursue therapies that teach you how to manage and cope with your symptoms

Don’t rely on medication alone. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, pro...

Don’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia

Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth...

Communicate with your doctor

Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figu...

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse

People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, the...

You can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful life

When treated properly, most people with schizophrenia are able to have satisfying relationships, work or pursue other meaningful activi...

Strange Behaviour

Don’t take it personally when your loved one behaves strangely. It’s a symptom of the condition....

Don’t threaten

The patient may interpret this is as a powerplay and increases the chances of scaring them or causing them to become agitated and viole...

Don’t Shout

If your loved one isn’t listening, there are probably other “voices” interfering....

Comply with requests

If the patient asks you to do something and it’s nothing harmful or unreasonable, do your best to do it. This lets them feel like the...

You can’t fix schizophrenia with talk

Although addressing social complications is of course possible....

Person ? Disorder

Separate the person from the disorder. Love yourself, although if you hate the disorder. Separate medication side effects from the diso...

Behaviour and family

Family members or friends must remind that strange behavior is symptom of the disorder. Don't take it personally....

To treat with the ill family member

In general, treat the ill family member with dignity as a person and make communication brief, concise, clear and unambiguous....

Getting better over time

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become...

Schizophrenia is treatable

Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but the illness can be successfully treated and managed. The key is to have a strong sup...

About hospitalizations

Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticki...

Find ways to stay involved with others

If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, con...

Take advantage of support services in your area

Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area, contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & Re...

Side effects of medication. Talk to your doctor

Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable mo...

More Tips & Hints

Misconception of Schizophrenia

Downloads

Web Resources

Quotes

Tips & Hints

Spot the signs of an acute schizophrenic episode

Avoid drugs and alcohol

Take your medication

Have regular reviews

Self-care

List all your questions

Don’t neglect your physical health

Recognise the signs

Avoid stress

Medication

Avoid stress and other environmental triggers

Take therapy

Establish routines

Communicate with family and peers

Looking after yourself

Talking treatments

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies

Self-help Groups

Manage stress

Try to get plenty of sleep

Get regular exercise

Do things that make you feel good about yourself

Set and work toward life goals

Pursue therapies that teach you how to manage and cope with your symptoms

Don’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia

Communicate with your doctor

Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse

You can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful life

Strange Behaviour

Don’t threaten

Don’t Shout

Comply with requests

You can’t fix schizophrenia with talk

Person ? Disorder

Behaviour and family

To treat with the ill family member

Getting better over time

Schizophrenia is treatable

About hospitalizations

Find ways to stay involved with others

Take advantage of support services in your area

Side effects of medication. Talk to your doctor

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