Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by delusions (false beliefs in conflict with the reality), hallucinations (feeling, hearing or seeing things not actually present), muddled thoughts, as well as lack of emotions and impaired everyday functioning.
If the psychological disorder is left untreated, it can lead to several problems. Patients may develop severe depression and other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as lack the ability to work, study etc. Moreover, without treatment, patients are likely to get suicidal, indulge in drug abuse, and resort to self-isolation from society. Therefore if you or a loved is showing any signs of schizophrenia, please consult the best Psychiatrist in Lahore or your city, at your earliest.
Despite the existence of a large material of research on the disease, a number of myths have been associated with it. The 5 most common myths about schizophrenia are as follows:
- Schizophrenia leads to multiple personalities
Reality:While multiple- personality disorder exists, schizophrenia has got nothing to do with it. Patients with schizophrenia have clouded views about reality. However, they do not posses more than one personality. - Bad parenting may cause Schizophrenia
Reality:Poor parenting does not cause schizophrenia. The illness is caused by one or a combination of reasons such as genetics, trauma, drug abuse etc. While genes are one factor behind making a person susceptible to the disorder, how a person is parented is not a cause. In fact, environmental stressors and other factors listed can trigger the onset of the illness. - Schizophrenic parents are dangerous
Reality:This perception is a result of the images portrayed in TV shows and movies. Although associated with unpredictable behaviors, schizophrenic patients, particularly those being treated, are generally not violent. Violence committed by such patients often results from some other problem such as substance abuse or behavior issues. - Schizophrenic patients are not intelligent
Reality:It is often assumed that mental disorders such as schizophrenia lead to learning impairments and lower IQs. However, history has proven otherwise. Famous personalities like the Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky and Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash suffered from schizophrenia. - A person is sure to have Schizophrenia if his/her parent has it
Reality:Whilst genes do play a role, the chances of getting the mental disorder are only about 10% if one of your parents suffers from it.
While the disorder is treatable, there are social stigmas associated with it. Psychological problems are still tabooed in most societies and not given due importance. This results in delays in treatment and/or the lack of proper treatment for patients. Incorrect diagnosis is another huge problem. In order to improve the quality of life of schizophrenic patients, proper, timely treatment is imperative.
If you feel that a loved one or someone you know has Schizophrenia, please do not take it lightly. It is often difficult for patients with Schizophrenia to identify the connection between their problems and their mental health. This article can be your starting point in getting rid of some of the most common myths associated with the mental disorder. However, for professional advice, book an appointment with the best Psychiatrist in Karachi or your city, right away.