MYTHS ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIA

There has been a lot of misinformation about schizophrenia, often spread through movies and television shows. In fact, many people with schizophrenia who receive treatment can return to school or work, gain independence, and enjoy personal relationships.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia (or schizoaffective disorder) is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with this disorder often lose connection with reality, leading to much suffering not only for themselves but also for family and friends. Symptoms of schizophrenia can reduce the ability to participate in daily activities, but fortunately, effective treatments are available. Many people who receive treatment can return to school or work, gain independence, and enjoy personal relationships.

However, there is a lot of misinformation about schizophrenia, often spread through movies and television shows. Sometimes, people use false stereotypes when talking about this disorder, contributing to the stigma and misunderstanding of patients with schizophrenia.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5 TR), an individual can be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder if two (or more) of the following signs, each present for a significant portion of time during 1 month (or less if successfully treated). At least one of these must be (1), (2) or (3):

1. Delusions.

2. Hallucinations.

3. Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence).

4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior.

5. Negative symptoms (i.e., diminished emotional expression or avolition).

It should be noted that the above symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition.

Most of the time, individuals with schizoaffective disorder are significantly impaired in one or more areas such as work, relationships, and self-care (for children and adolescents, they will fall short of expectations in social interactions, academics, or occupational functioning).

WARNING: The symptoms listed are for reference only. If you suspect that you have schizoaffective disorder, see a psychologist for an accurate diagnosis.

What Leads To Schizophrenia?

Several factors may contribute to a person’s increased risk of schizophrenia, including:

• Genetics: Schizophrenia runs in families. However, genes can only increase the risk of schizophrenia, just because one family member has this disorder does not mean that other members will definitely also have schizophrenia.

• Environment: A combination of genetic factors and environmental aspects, as well as life experiences, may play an important role in the development of schizoaffective disorder. These environmental factors may include living in poverty, stressful or dangerous environments, exposure to viruses, or having prenatal nutritional problems.

• Brain structure and function: Research shows that people with schizophrenia have differences in the size of certain brain areas. Researchers are still working to understand better how the brain may be involved in schizophrenic disorders.

9 Myths About Schizophrenia

1. Schizophrenia Means Suffering From Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about schizophrenia. One survey found that 64% of Americans believe the condition is related to DID, meaning someone acts with separate personalities. However, the hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia are hallucinations and delusions, including hearing voices in the head and acting on false beliefs – this is not the same as DID.

2. Most People With Schizophrenia Are Violent Or Dangerous

In movies and TV shows, murderers are often portrayed as schizophrenic with insane behavior, but in reality, this is not the case. Although people with schizophrenia may act unusually at times, most of them are not violent, especially if they are in treatment. Conversely, people with this disorder are more likely to be victims of violence. They are also more likely to harm themselves than others — suicide rates among people with schizophrenia are high.

In cases where people with schizophrenia commit violent acts, they often have another cause, such as childhood conduct problems or substance abuse. However, schizophrenia itself does not make individuals physically aggressive.

3. The Cause Of Schizophrenia Is Due To Poor Parenting

Parents (especially mothers) are often blamed for causing their children to develop schizophrenia. However, there are many different causes of this disorder, including genetics, trauma, or substance abuse.

4. If A Person Has A Parent With Schizophrenia, That Person Will Surely Also Have This Disorder

Genes indeed play a certain role, however, it only makes the risk of schizophrenia higher. If one parent has schizophrenia, the child’s risk of developing the disorder is about 10%. In cases where more than one family member has schizophrenia, this rate increases.

5. People With Schizophrenia Are Not Smart

Some studies have found that people with this disorder have more difficulty on tests of mental skills such as attention, learning ability, and memory. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. History has shown that many patients with schizophrenia can still be creative, and scientists are even looking into links between genes that may be related to both psychosis and creativity.

6. People With Schizophrenia Are Required To Go To A Mental Hospital

In fact, the level of care will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Many people with schizophrenia can live independently, while some still live with family or in supportive housing in their community. It is important to stay in close contact with the doctor and have support to help the individual continue treatment as needed.

7. People With Schizophrenia Cannot Work

Schizophrenia can make it difficult for people to find a job and go to work every day. However, with the right treatment, many people can find a position that fits their skills and abilities.

8. Schizophrenia Makes People Lazy

Schizophrenia can make it more difficult for people to meet their daily needs, such as getting dressed and bathing. This does not mean they are “lazy”. They just need some support with daily activities.

9. Schizophrenia Is Incurable

Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, treatment can help individuals manage symptoms and reduce its impact on life. Antipsychotic medications can help stabilize the individual and reduce the risk of future symptoms. Psychological therapies are also useful tools to help them handle stress better. Typically, people with schizophrenia need to be treated for the rest of their lives.

How Is Schizophrenia Treated?

Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medications can help make psychotic symptoms less frequent and less frequent. These medications are usually taken daily in pill or liquid form. Some antipsychotic medications are given once or twice a month.

NOTE: Be extremely cautious when using medication and only use medication with the advice and prescription of a clinician.

Psychosocial Treatments

Psychotherapy approaches help individuals find solutions to daily challenges and manage symptoms while attending school, working, and building relationships. Psychotherapies are often used in combination with antipsychotic medication. People who participate in regular psychological treatment are less likely to have symptoms relapse or require inpatient hospitalization.

Some commonly used psychological therapies to treat schizophrenia include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral skills training (BST), and cognitive remediation therapy (CRT).

Support Group

Educational programs can assist family and friends in better understanding the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, treatment methods, and strategies for supporting a loved one with the disorder. These programs not only help family and friends manage their stress and distress but also improve coping skills and increase support for loved ones.

Coordinated Specialty Care

Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs focus on recovery for people experiencing psychotic symptoms for the first time, the early stages of schizophrenia. In the program, healthcare providers and specialists work together to provide psychotherapy, medication, case management, employment, educational support, and family education and support. The treatment team works collaboratively with the individual to make treatment decisions, involving family members as much as possible.

Compared with conventional care, CSC is more effective in reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and enhancing the ability to participate in work or school.

If you feel you are having symptoms of schizophrenia, go to a medical facility for a timely examination and diagnosis, or contact the Vietnam – France Psychology Institute via Hotline: 0979.158.463 for specific advice. Early intervention is key to improving health and quality of life.

References:

[1] Tâm bệnh học. Đặng Hoàng Minh (chủ biên)

[2] Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders _ DSM-5-TR. 

[3] Schizophrenia. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia

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VIETNAM – FRANCE PSYCHOLOGY INSTITUTE

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