6 Wrong Stereotypes About Schizophrenia You Need To Let Go Of

When you hear that a person has Schizophrenia, there are some ideas that come to mind that may not necessarily be true. Unfortunately, due to media portrayal and some myths that people don't care to educate themselves on, schizophrenia has many stereotypes that have made it harder for those who suffer from this mental disorder to seek help. The following stereotypes have been proven false by countless studies. By educating yourself on these different myths, you can find out for yourself that you do not have to cut ties with someone just because they appear to be dealing with this disorder.

Being Dangerous

One of the main stereotypes that people with schizophrenia have to struggle with is that people believe them to be dangerous or violent. Although there are some cases when a person dealing with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia, is dangerous. Though they only constitute ten percent of the overall number of cases. Unfortunately, because there are so many movies and series that portray villains dealing with such a condition, people started associating the disorder with violence. Even the ten percent who turn towards violence have other contributory issues including substance abuse or childhood issues. This means that it is safe to say that the disorder itself does not beget violence.

Having Multiple Personalities

Schizophrenia is often confused with DID which is dissociative identity disorder or in simpler terms, multiple personality disorder. This misconception is far-reaching and many people either confuse these two disorders with each other or believe that they are a package deal. Someone who has Schizophrenia does not have a dissociative identity. The symptoms that a person suffering from Schizophrenia faces include hallucinations and delusions. For example, he or she may believe that they are hearing something that is not there. An easier way to explain it would be that they have lost touch with the reality they are living in.

There Isn’t a Way to Treat Schizophrenia

Just like most diseases and disorders out there, people with Schizophrenia have hope of getting better. There are a variety of options to choose from including antipsychotic medications as well as various types of therapy geared towards helping those with mental health challenges overcome this disorder and live a relatively normal life. In fact, most people with schizophrenia can keep jobs and do not necessarily have to be hospitalized. As long as help is being sought out and the person is actively trying to deal with his or her disorder, then it is possible to treat this issue. Seeking medical help as soon as symptoms start to appear is crucial to preventing these symptoms from developing further and new ones from appearing.

It’s Genetic

If one of your parents or your children suffers from Schizophrenia, it does not mean that you or other members of your family will suffer from the disorder. Unlike other diseases, schizophrenia is not really genetic in nature so you do not have to worry as long as you are not showing any symptoms of the disorder. This company can help you better understand the complexities of genetics.

You Can’t Support Them

Believe it or not, you can offer support for your loved one who has schizophrenia. By learning as much as you can about the disorder, as well as knowing what to say and what not to say, you will ensure you are there for your friend or family member in his or her time of need. Just like other mental illnesses, having a strong group of people to offer support can make a big difference in how a person dealing with this disorder will manage it. Not supporting someone because you found out that they are schizophrenic means that you believe in some of these stereotypes and you need to do your research to fully understand the condition before casting judgment and alienating this person from your life.

Bad Parenting Is the Cause

Most parents feel guilty when they find out that their child suffers from this disorder. One of the main misconceptions about schizophrenia is that it is caused by bad parenting. This misconception is rooted in studies done a long time ago and has been disproven repeatedly by new scientific research. Schizophrenia is a neurological disorder which means that parenting, whatever the quality, cannot be its cause. All parents can do is try to support their child and help him or her seek treatment.

Now that you are aware of these different stereotypes and how false they are, you can start looking for ways to help your loved one who suffers from schizophrenia or seek help for yourself if you feel like you have been experiencing early symptoms. When people harbor misconceptions, it makes the process of recovery and getting help much harder, so finding out as much information as possible will only be helpful to everyone involved.