Myths and Facts about Schizophrenia

Myth No. 1: IT MEANS YOU HAVE MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES One of the biggest misunderstandings about schizophrenia is that it means you have multiple personalities. 64% of Americans, in one poll, believed that the condition involves a split personality. Split personality means someone acts like they are two or more separate people. This is not true. The person has false ideas or has lost touch with reality. Having two or more personalities is multiple personality disorder, which is unrelated. Myth No. 2: MOST PEOPLE ARE VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS THAT HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA Most are not violent especially if they are getting treated. But, they can act unpredictable at times. Usually people with this brain disorder have another condition when they do commit violent acts. A condition like childhood conduct problems or substance abuse. Myth No. 3: BAD PARENTING, ESPECIALLY MOTHERS, ARE TO BLAME FOR ONE HAVING SCHIZOPHRENIA Schizophrenia is a mental illness. Genes, trauma and drugs are some of the causes. Mistakes that parents made won't give their children this condition. Myth No. 4: YOU'LL GET SCHIZOPHRENIA IS YOUR PARENT HAS IT Although genes do play a role, just because one of your parents has this illness does not mean you are destined to get it. Your risk of getting this condition is about 10% if one parent has it. Your risk is raised if more than one family member has it. Myth No. 5: PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA AREN'T SMART People with this condition, some studies have found, have more trouble on tests of mental skills such as attention, learning and memory. This does not mean they are not intelligent. As a matter of fact, scientists are looking into links between genes that may be related to both psychosis and creativity. Myth No. 6: IF YOU HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA, YOU BELONG IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL People with mental illnesses years ago were sent to asylums or even prisons. Fewer people need to be placed in long-term mental health facilities because experts know more about this disease. Most life with family or in supportive housing in the community. Myth No. 7: YOU CAN'T HOLD A JOB IF YOU HAVE IT This illness can make it harder for you to get a job and go to work everyday. Many people, with the right treatment, can find a position that fits their skills and abilities. Myth No. 8: SCHIZOPHRENIA MAKES PEOPLE LAZY Taking care of daily needs, such as dressing and bathing, can be made harder by this disorder. They just need some help with their daily routine. They are not lazy. Myth No. 9: YOU CAN NEVER RECOVER FROM IT. It is not impossible to treat, just hard to sometimes. About 25% of people with this disease will recover completely with the right medicine and therapy. Another 50% of people with schizophrenia will see improvements in their symptoms. Full, productive lives can be led.