World Schizophrenia Day

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is observed on May 24 every year. World Schizophrenia Day aims to raise public awareness about schizophrenia and to reduce the stigma associated with the condition. The day also serves as an opportunity to support those living with the condition. And, in addition, to advocate for early detection and intervention. Research has shown early detection and intervention is linked to better long-term outcomes.

Here are a few of the most common myths surrounding schizophrenia:

It’s a common misconception that schizophrenia causes split personality or multiple personalities. One reason for this misconception may be that the distinction between schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder (previously, multiple personality disorder) was weaker in the past. In fact, research published in 2017 shows that early descriptions of schizophrenia were actually very similar to the way DID is now described. But as both disorders underwent more research, it became more evident that they are distinct conditions.

Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal behaviors. It doesn’t involve the presence of multiple personalities or identity states (alters). Dissociative identity disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities. These identities are within an individual. In addition, these personality states often develop when the brain is unable to process and integrate traumatic experiences, feelings, and memories from childhood.

Schizophrenia can be a challenging condition to manage. But with appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with the disorder are able to hold jobs and live independently. Still, the ability to do so will vary according to the severity of the illness and level of functional impairment. Some people with schizophrenia do have a difficult time maintaining a job due to their symptoms. Many live with family or in supported housing. However, others are able to work, live alone, and manage their daily activities, including self-care, household tasks, and social interactions. Some people with schizophrenia may also find that they benefit from the structured routine and added socialization that working provides.

It’s a common misconception that schizophrenia is associated with violence. In the past, schizophrenia was often incorrectly associated with violent behavior. This lead to widespread misconceptions about individuals with schizophrenia being dangerous or unpredictable. Research shows that most individuals (85–90%) with schizophrenia are not violent and are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators. In fact, people with schizophrenia who are living in the community (not in a psychiatric institution) are about 14 times more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than the perpetrator.

Factors such as substance misuse, a history of violence, and a lack of appropriate treatment and support are more significant predictors of violent behavior in individuals with schizophrenia. The same is true in the general population.

The effectiveness of schizophrenia medications varies from person to person, and while some individuals may not respond well to medication, others experience significant improvement in their symptoms. One study found that about 81% of people with first-episode psychosis showed at least a 20% reduction in symptoms after taking antipsychotics; 52% saw their symptoms reduce by at least half.

It’s important to note, however, that the negative symptoms of schizophrenia (i.e., reduced emotional expression and low motivation) are difficult to treat with medication. These symptoms tend to be the most persistent and difficult aspect of the condition. And, they account for a large part of the long-term disability seen in people with schizophrenia. Overall, medication alone may not be sufficient for managing schizophrenia. There are also other forms of treatment, such as therapy or social skills training which may also be important in achieving optimal outcomes.

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that can cause a wide range of distressing symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, and impaired social functioning. However, while disturbing symptoms are commonly reported by those in the U.S., this isn’t as common in other parts of the world. Some people find that rather than upsetting them, the voices they hear offer comfort and support. Many people are able to achieve long periods of remission with proper treatment.