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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryDebunking 4 Myths About Schizophrenia
Table of Contents:OverviewMyth #1: People with Schizophrenia All Have the Same SymptomsMyth #2: Women are More Likely to Have Schizophrenia than MenMyth #3: People with Schizophrenia have Multiple PersonalitiesMyth #4: People with Schizophrenia are DangerousThe Reality
SchizophreniaRead Time: 3 Minutes
Published On: September 6, 2017
Reviewed On: September 6, 2017
Updated On: January 25, 2024
Overview
Updated 3/3/2022
Myth #1: People with Schizophrenia All Have the Same SymptomsThere are many different types ofschizophrenia, and they can all affect a person in different ways. Symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, such as delusions that someone is out to get the sufferer, are different fromcatatonic schizophrenia symptoms, which include a lack of emotion and decreased motivation.Mental illnesses affect people differently. It is possible to encounter two sufferers with the same type of schizophrenia who behave differently. Schizophrenia isn’t all about being paranoid and hearing voices.
Myth #1: People with Schizophrenia All Have the Same Symptoms
There are many different types ofschizophrenia, and they can all affect a person in different ways. Symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, such as delusions that someone is out to get the sufferer, are different fromcatatonic schizophrenia symptoms, which include a lack of emotion and decreased motivation.
Mental illnesses affect people differently. It is possible to encounter two sufferers with the same type of schizophrenia who behave differently. Schizophrenia isn’t all about being paranoid and hearing voices.
Myth #2: Women are More Likely to Have Schizophrenia than MenAlthough some people believe women are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses than men, studies show that the rate of schizophrenia istwo to three times higherin men than women. This could be becausewomen are more likely to seek out treatmentfor their mental health than men, but also because there are genetic components of the disorder as well.This myth has some unfortunate implications and side effects. Schizophrenia is a serious illness that requires treatment and medication. Men and women who do not receive this treatment are more likely to become a danger to themselves and others. There is still a seriousstigma in our culture against men who seek helpfor their mental health issues. This barrier can lead to severe consequences when men do not receive the treatment and therapy they need.
Myth #2: Women are More Likely to Have Schizophrenia than Men
Although some people believe women are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses than men, studies show that the rate of schizophrenia istwo to three times higherin men than women. This could be becausewomen are more likely to seek out treatmentfor their mental health than men, but also because there are genetic components of the disorder as well.
This myth has some unfortunate implications and side effects. Schizophrenia is a serious illness that requires treatment and medication. Men and women who do not receive this treatment are more likely to become a danger to themselves and others. There is still a seriousstigma in our culture against men who seek helpfor their mental health issues. This barrier can lead to severe consequences when men do not receive the treatment and therapy they need.
Myth #3: People with Schizophrenia have Multiple Personalities
Part of the reason why people believe schizophrenia is the same as dissociative identity disorder is because schizophrenia derives from a Greek word meaning “split mind.” The “split mind” aspect refers to how people with schizophrenia have minds that tend to isolate them from the rest of the world, as if they were split off. The phrase doesn’t mean the mind itself is split.
Myth #4: People with Schizophrenia are Dangerous
The RealityWith proper treatment andschizophrenia medication, it is possible to live a full life with schizophrenia. Many famous people such as football star and sports analyst Lionel Aldridge, former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, and mathematician John Nash have all lived with schizophrenia. Life was often difficult for them, yet they learned to thrive.There is hope for those who live with this frightening yet misunderstood condition. By combatting the stigma of the illness, we can help them be at peace and free of judgment.Bio: Mike Jones is a health and fitness writer. He hopes people will stop stigmatizing others dealing with a mental illness and start fighting against common schizophrenia misconceptions. More of his work can be found onTwitter.
The Reality
With proper treatment andschizophrenia medication, it is possible to live a full life with schizophrenia. Many famous people such as football star and sports analyst Lionel Aldridge, former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, and mathematician John Nash have all lived with schizophrenia. Life was often difficult for them, yet they learned to thrive.
There is hope for those who live with this frightening yet misunderstood condition. By combatting the stigma of the illness, we can help them be at peace and free of judgment.
Bio: Mike Jones is a health and fitness writer. He hopes people will stop stigmatizing others dealing with a mental illness and start fighting against common schizophrenia misconceptions. More of his work can be found onTwitter.
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