Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that affects one in everyone 1000 individuals worldwide. With limited understanding of the disease and stigma associated with psychiatric illnesses, most patients don't get timely diagnosis and treatment, which then causes massive psychosocial and physical morbidity. It's important to learn about this disorder to identify and treat the problem before it ruins the sufferer and their families. There are several myths surrounding this disease that make it difficult for people to address the problem effectively.
5 Myths And Facts About Schizophrenia
Here are common myths about this mental illness:
Myth No 1: Schizophrenia Means Split Personality
Even though the meaning of the word schizophrenia derived from Greek language means a split in mind, schizophrenia is clinically not a disorder or personality splitting into two (that's a dissociative disorder). It's a neurochemical disorder of the brain that results in disorders of thinking and perception leading to delusions and hallucinations.
Myth No 2: Schizophrenia Is Caused By Evil Magic
There's a common belief that schizophrenia is caused by evil magic/ghosts/spirits and treatment is beyond the scope of medical science. Schizophrenia is a medical disorder that affects brain functions. Therefore, the thinking process of individual gets disturbed causing them to behave irrationally and aggressively. The disorder usually begins early in life (18-25yrs of age) and is not specifically the result of a particular stressful or traumatic event or a supernatural phenomenon.
Myth No 3: Schizophrenia Can Be Treated By Getting Married Or Having Children
No illness can be treated by getting married. Marriage is a big responsibility and even normal people struggle to adjust to the changes that come with getting married. The social dysfunction in schizophrenia along with emotional and cognitive deficits makes it even more difficult for patients to adapt to a married life with increased chances of relapse.
Schizophrenia can not be controlled by the suffering patient
Myth No 4: Schizophrenic Patients Deliberately Turn Violent Or Imagine False Stories
Schizophrenia is an illness which is not in control of the suffering patient. For the patient, the thoughts and perceptions arising in their mind like fear that someone is following them or is telling them to do things are very much real. They are not lying or manipulating anyone but are unable to differentiate real from unreal. This also makes them very anxious and lose control of their emotions making them aggressive or violent.
Myth No 5: Schizophrenia Patients Become Dysfunctional Due To Medication
Treatment of schizophrenia is aimed at balancing the disturbed neurochemicals in brain and not to sedate the patients. Some medicines can cause sedation while others don't cause this side effect. With early intervention, patients respond better to lower doses of medication and also suffer from lesser side effects. Still, patient is better with treatment than without because untreated psychosis tends to worsen overtime and even becomes resistant to medicines.
Although we are still not completely clear about the cause of schizophrenia and treatment modalities, whatever understanding is available has helped millions of psychotic people lead a better life and get rehabilitated in society. Early intervention is most important in achieving sustained response and functionality. If there is anyone you know, who is acting irrationally, appears paranoid and disruptive without any reason, don't blame them. Get them professional help.
About the author: Dr. Jyoti Kapoor Madan is a well renowned Psychiatrist in Delhi- NCR. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Jyoti had worked as a Psychiatry Consultant, Researcher and Psychotherapist in her tenure with famous hospitals. She is currently a Psychiatrist at Paras Hospital, Gurugram.
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