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When someone has schizophrenia, they can find it hard to work out what is real and what isn’t.1
Remember: |
Every person with schizophrenia is different, and any one person may experience different symptoms at various times.
Myths and misunderstandings about schizophrenia
There are a lot of misconceptions around schizophrenia. These misconceptions are often used in TV programmes and films, making them even more embedded in our collective consciousness.
Below are just a few of the more common “wrong ideas” people have about it – none of these things is true.
It’s believed that people with schizophrenia…. |
But the truth is… |
… have multiple personalities2,3 |
Multiple personality/dissociative identity disorder is a separate and unrelated condition2,3 |
… are violent and dangerous2,3 |
People with schizophrenia are much more likely to be the target of violence than the perpetrator2,3 |
…are stuck with it for life2,3 |
Schizophrenia can be hard to treat, but many people do recover or see their symptoms improve2,3 |
…should be in hospital2,3 |
Many people are able to be treated in the community and don’t need to be hospitalised – certainly not permanently3 |
…must have bad parents2,3 |
The exact causes of schizophrenia aren’t known, but it’s likely to be down to multiple factors, not just one3 |
REFERENCES:
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NHS. Schizophrenia. Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/overview/ Last accessed: June 2022.
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WebMD. Schizophrenia myths and facts. Available at:https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-myths-and-facts Last accessed: June 2022.
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Psycom. Six myths about schizophrenia. Available at:https://www.psycom.net/schizophrenia/six-myths-about-schizophrenia/ Last accessed: June 2022.
