Common Misconceptions about People with Schizophrenia

Photo Credit: Flickr, Alachua County

A look at some common myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia.

I confess that I knew next to nothing about schizophrenia until someone close to me was diagnosed with this condition. Since then, I have found that there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about this mental health disorder.

Facts about Schizophrenia

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Schizophrenia affects approximately one percent of the general population
• The development of this condition happens in the late teens to early 20s for males, and for females, during their mid-20s to early 30s
• Schizophrenia affects anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, culture or economic status
• Environment and genetics can play a role in the development of this condition
• Approximately 50 percent of people with schizophrenia also abuse substances or have a chemical dependency

Psychosis is the main characteristic of schizophrenia. This word is actually a medical term for a specific state of mind when people lose touch with reality and experience auditory and visual hallucinations, mental confusion, delusions, and paranoia. The term “psychotic” should not be used in place of…