Though schizophrenia is a relatively uncommon mental illness (1 in 300 persons have it worldwide) yet it fails to cease fascinating the public imagination. Unfortunately much of the public perception of schizophrenia is based on myths entrenched in culture and repeated by the media.
Certainly you’ve seen someone ‘run mad’ in a Nigerian movie. The poor fellow is cursed, charmed or jinxed. As soon as the malevolent power seizes its victim, the new “lunatic” tears his clothes to rags and in an intimidating dash runs into the streets to live there forever while laughing maniacally, talking to himself and making endless erratic and fidgety movements.
I imagine you recognize the numerous misconceptions in the scenario just painted. Let’s break down the four most common myths about schizophrenia.
Common Myths About Schizophrenia Corrected
Myth 1: Schizophrenia Should Be Called “Madness” or “Lunacy”
The problem with this terminology is that they are old, inaccurate and do not refer to any actual disorder. There are hundreds of mental disorders. Use their names. Also the terminology ‘mad’ conjures a certain type of image in the mind of the hearer which is often not true to reality.
Myth 2: Schizophrenia Is Always Caused by Charms and Curses
It is true that schizophrenia is a mysterious illness, often worrisome and prone to relapse. But in many cases, it has been found to be linked with actual abnormalities in the brain size and structure, rather than disorders of the soul which cannot be observed or tested.
There are other physical risk factors for schizophrenia, like:
- Genetics: it is highly inheritable just like type 2 diabetes, hypertension and short-sightedness (you will not call these three an attack now, will you?)
- Use of substances like marijuana over a long time can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.
- Early childhood trauma like physical or sexual abuse as well as stressors in later life.
Myth 3: People Living with Schizophrenia Belong to the Streets
It is true that 10% of homeless people have schizophrenia, so it is a risk factor for homelessness and street life. Yet, people living with schizophrenia do not end up on the streets unless there is a failure of family, treatment or social support. In other words, street life is not inevitable. It is in fact a minority situation.
Myth 4: The Symptoms of Schizophrenia Cannot Be Controlled
The truth is highly encouraging:
- 25% of all people with schizophrenia completely recover after just one psychotic episode.
- 25% achieve excellent symptom control and live almost entirely normal lives.
- 25% require ongoing support to function well in society.
- 25% experience stubborn or florid symptoms that do not respond well to conventional treatments.
Conclusion
To recap: schizophrenia is not a death sentence. It is not a curse, nor is it a condemnation to the streets. It is a treatable medical condition. Let us stop calling it “madness” and start calling it by its proper name.
Watch out for our second installment on more common schizophrenia myths dissolved!
