World Schizophrenia Day 2024: Common myths and facts about this mental disorder

Those who have schizophrenia, which results in symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. They don't change identities, yet they might hear voices or see things that aren't there. (Image: Canva)

World Schizophrenia Day 2024: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People all throughout the world are impacted by schizophrenia, not just the afflicted individuals but also their families and communities. Since many people consider schizophrenia to be a mentally crippling illness, the stigma persists in society. Psychotic events, such as delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present), are what characterise it.

Despite being a well-established mental health disorder, schizophrenia is frequently misinterpreted, which gives rise to several myths and misunderstandings. To promote better understanding and assistance for persons impacted by this condition, it is important to debunk these beliefs.

Here are few misconceptions related to schizophrenia listed by Dr Himanshu Champaneri, senior consultant neurosurgeon, Marengo Asia hospital

Myth: Individuals with schizophrenia experience dual personalities/ split personalities

Fact: The belief that schizophrenia is characterised by a split personality, in which a person has two or more separate identities, is among the most widespread misconceptions. The word schizo, which meaning split, is perhaps the source of this misunderstanding. Nevertheless, multiple personalities are not associated with schizophrenia. Rather, a dissociation from reality is experienced by those who have schizophrenia, which results in symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. They don't change identities, yet they might hear voices or see things that aren't there.

Myth: Schizophrenia patients cannot get help and their Situation is hopeless

Fact: The false belief that schizophrenia is an incurable illness that leaves sufferers helpless is another detrimental misconception. Even though schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, there is yet hope. The intensity and symptoms of schizophrenia can be considerably reduced with appropriate long-term treatment, which includes drugs and treatments. Many individuals with schizophrenia enjoy fulfilling lives, particularly when they have access to comprehensive mental health services and social networks.

Myth: Individuals with schizophrenia do not experience adverse health issues

Fact: This myth is incorrect as schizophrenia can have serious negative impacts on one's health. Overall health can be impacted by mental illness itself, pharmaceutical side effects, and the stress of managing a chronic illness. Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are problems that people with schizophrenia are more likely to develop. Treatment plans must take into account both physical and mental health issues because they can both lead to a reduced life expectancy.

Myth: Patients suffer only from delusions and hallucinations

Fact: Hallucinations and delusions are two of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia, there are many other symptoms as well. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia frequently exhibit a variety of symptoms, such as diminished motivation, disordered speech, social disengagement, and reduced emotional expressiveness (blunted affect). Treatment strategies that are comprehensive are necessary for these symptoms, which can be just as incapacitating as psychotic episodes.

Myth: People with schizophrenia are dangerous and violent

Fact: It is false and detrimental to believe that people who have schizophrenia are inherently dangerous. While a small percentage of individuals with schizophrenia do act violently, this is usually not the case if they are having significant delusions or hallucinations and are not receiving treatment. Rather than acting aggressively, the majority of people with schizophrenia are more inclined to retreat from social situations. Making them appear dangerous can cause unwarranted fear and prejudice, which hurts and further isolates those who have the illness.