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Common Misconceptions About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia has been misunderstood for hundreds of years, according to the World Health Organization. The Missouri Department of Mental Health calls it America's most common but least understood mental illness. Despite decades of modern research, several myths and misconceptions remain. These are unfounded and may present problems for patients trying to overcome this illness and fit in with a misinformed society.

  1. Religion

    • Various religion-related misconceptions and myths exist concerning schizophrenia, according to WHO. For example, some people feel that it is a curse or must be treated by faith healers. WHO recognizes that desperation and fatalism may attribute to these misconceptions, but argues that faith healers have "no role in the treatment of schizophrenia." Instead, afflicted individuals need the attention of qualified medical professionals.

    Violence

    • Although schizophrenic persons are sometimes viewed as more violent, such individuals are not statistically more violent than those who don't have schizophrenia, according to Macalester College. The college says much of this myth is due to incorrect representations in the media. Instead, those with schizophrenia often feel lonely or frightened and want to withdraw from human contact, according to the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

    Statistics

    • Schizophrenia may seem like a rare or uncommon disease. That's not true, reports the Canadian Mental Health Association, which calls it "youth's greatest disabler." Approximately one person out of every 100 people is afflicted with this mental illness, and it's most common in those ages 16 to 30. There is no statistical difference between countries, and it affects people regardless of race, according to the non-profit Schizophrenia.com.

    Split Personalities

    • One of the most common misconceptions regarding schizophrenia is that it causes a split or dual personality, according to the Missouri Department of Mental Health. This may be because the word "schizophrenia" comes from two Greek terms that mean "split mind." This is technically incorrect since its symptoms don't include multiple or split personalities, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Such symptoms refer to other mental illnesses, like dissociative identity disorder.

    Cures

    • Schizophrenia is not hopeless, even though a common myth is that it's untreatable. With the right management, people with schizophrenia can lead comfortable lives within society, according to WHO. The Canadian Mental Health Association lists treatment options like psychotherapy and medications, which can help patients maintain coherency and reduce symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

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