Introduction
Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness. It’s also misunderstood by many people who have never experienced it—and their misconceptions can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to understand what schizophrenia is and isn’t, so you can better support those who live with this condition. Say’s Dr. Charles Noplis the following myths about schizophrenia are common, but they’re also wrong.
Myth: Schizophrenia is rare.
Myth: Schizophrenia is rare.
Fact: Schizophrenia is a common mental illness that affects 1% of the population. It’s also chronic and disabling, so it can be difficult for people who have it to get reliable information about their condition. That’s why it’s important for us all–whether we’re affected by schizophrenia ourselves or not–to understand what this disorder really means for those who suffer from it and their loved ones.
Myth: Schizophrenia is hereditary.
Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder with multiple causes. While genes are one factor that can contribute to the development of schizophrenia, they are not the only one. There is no evidence that bad parenting or other environmental factors cause schizophrenia either.
Myth: Schizophrenia is an emotional problem or a sign of weak will.
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder, not an emotional problem or a sign of weak will. Schizophrenia can cause people to have trouble thinking clearly and make decisions. These problems may lead them to do things that are out of character for them, such as becoming violent or suicidal. People with schizophrenia may also hear voices or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations), think other people are trying to harm them (paranoia), or believe things that aren’t true (delusions).
Myth: Schizophrenics are violent and dangerous.
Schizophrenics are not violent or dangerous. While it’s true that people with schizophrenia may be more likely to commit violent acts than their peers, they do so far less often than the general population. In fact, studies show that only about 3% of those with schizophrenia will ever commit a violent crime in their lifetimes–a rate far lower than the 9% of Americans who have been diagnosed with mental illness overall.
Learning the facts can help you understand this complex condition, which affects a small percentage of the population but has important implications for all people
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects just 1% of the population. It’s not like other mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety. But it can be hard to understand if you don’t know much about it.
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that makes it difficult for people with the condition to tell what’s real from what isn’t, or even who they are. Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves–to such an extent that it interferes with daily life activities such as work or school performance; social relationships; self-care skills (like bathing); sleeping patterns; eating habits; communication abilities with others in conversation face-to-face as well as over phone calls or emails).
Conclusion
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects the way people think, feel and behave. It’s important to understand what schizophrenia is and isn’t so you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
