"Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder characterized by damage to key synapses in the brain that control actions, thoughts and feelings. This disordered function can cause a patient to have skewed perceptions about the world around them. These patients may also act out or withdraw from the outside world and others entirely.
Around 3.2 million Americans suffer from schizophrenia. This disorder typically appears during adolescence, but people can develop it in childhood or adulthood, as well.
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that people must deal with their entire lives. They can, however, experience stretches of time when symptoms are less severe. When patients receive the right treatment, the disorder can be inactive, but these patients will need to continue their treatment in perpetuity in order to avoid a recurrence of symptoms.
Misconceptions about Schizophrenia
As with other mental health disorders, misconceptions about schizophrenia can make it difficult for those with the disorder to seek out help. It is important to stop myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia in their tracks.
Multiple Personalities
A whopping 64 percent of Americans believe that schizophrenics have multiple personalities. These two disorders are, in fact, completely unrelated.
Schizophrenics are Violent
A very damaging myth about schizophrenia is that these patients are violent. Not every schizophrenic acts out violently. In most cases where violence is present the individual has a history of drug abuse or other mental health problem.
Schizophrenics have to be in mental institutions
Many also believe that those with schizophrenia are condemned to life in mental institutions. This is not true, and this destructive myth prevents many people from getting the help they need. Inpatient care is only necessary in the most extreme situations or when an individual is adjusting to new medication."
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