TOP MYTHS AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIA

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Schizophrenia in itself is a very different phase of brain/ mind and life that it creates certain myths irrespective of the nature, behavior and activities of the concerned person.

Following are the top myths and the facts behind it that should be known worldwide to kill those myths and live in reality.
1. Schizophrenics are always dangerous.

It is considered that all people suffering from Schizophrenia are dangerous as they tend towards the negative side of life and tries for committing suicide or harming anyone or to be extreme violent. These activities could also be due to their poverty or family conditions, which are then considered to be dangerous with the Schizophrenia patients.

2. Schizophrenia considered to be rare to occur.

It was in the earlier ages when Schizophrenia was considered to be rare to occur to anyone but in the present world, Schizophrenia affects all people in all societies, ages, family & social backgrounds. Schizophrenia condition is much more common than thought of.

3. Schizophrenia is caused due to improper or bad upbringing or brought up in life.

It was considered that bad mothering to a child or improper brought up of anyone at any age is the cause for Schizophrenia to be generated. But in reality, it is the various tragic conditions or more pressurized discussions, talks or behavior which makes a person to imagine and discuss with oneself that gives birth to Schizophrenia.

4. Schizophrenics have a split personality.

This is the most common myth known to be but it’s completely false as the word Schizophrenia literally means split mind which has caused a lot of confusion. As the Schizophrenic patients do experience a lot of delusions and hallucinations, it is thought and considered to be true that Schizophrenics have a split personality.

5. The lifetime of the Schizophrenic patients is same as of everyone else.

The impact of Schizophrenia is not realized by people on the physical health of the concerned person. As per the physical effects of mental illness combined with the any of the anti-psychotic medications taken and the lifestyle factors means that the person with such mental illness have a life expectancy 20 years lower than average.

6. Schizophrenia is irrecoverable.

As Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment be it psychotic therapies, antipsychotic medications of tablets, syrups or timely injections or ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) in the severe cases, it is thought to be irrecoverable form Schizophrenia. Although Schizophrenia has a lower rate of full recovery but it does not mean that people can’t recover back from it. As per the different cases, out of 100%, 30% will have a lasting recovery, 20% will show significant improvement and around 50% will have a long term illness which may involve further episodes of becoming more unwell or with longer time and treatment episodes they can recover.

7. There is continuous monitoring required for Schizophrenia Patients.

When people with Schizophrenia are getting access to the treatment and support they need, then it’s totally false that they cannot lead happy and productive lives. They need not be monitored every time or all the time when they are positively going under the treatment with the positive outcome. Amongst all, many people suffering from Schizophrenia live with family or supported housing. Many of those affected live independently and are active members of society.

8. People suffering from Schizophrenia must be hospitalized.

This is a total fake thought that any person suffering from Schizophrenia needs to be hospitalized all the time. If any treatment is taken for Schizophrenia, then there is no need for the patient to be hospitalized all the time but the patient mostly requires the company of his/ her family, knowns or friends to be able to make them understand the situation or condition and handle it accordingly. Hospitalization is required in the extreme cases of Schizophrenia, when the person is totally out of control due to a lot many delusions and hallucinations or the side effects of the antipsychotics if any taken.

9. Antipsychotic Drugs medication is worse.

Medication is the supporter of treating Schizophrenia but as the antipsychotic drugs have side-effects too so it is considered that taking the medication is even worse than the illness itself. These drugs have a positive effect on reducing the hallucinations, delusions, confusing thoughts and strange and unusual behaviors. But as these medications have severe side effects too so it is considered worst to take medication. But in real, it is very rare to get the side effects of the antipsychotics as it depends & differs from individual to individual about how regular and timely they take the medication.

10. Schizophrenic patients can’t lead a productive and normal life.

It should never be considered that a person diagnosed with Schizophrenia can never lead a normal productive life. It depends on the living conditions, atmosphere, environment and the medication and its tenure if any taken for, that the rehabilitation of a person depends on.