Personality disorders are legitimate health conditions caused by biological and environmental factors. They are not just character flaws or signs of manipulation. They can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and cause distress and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
However, personality disorders are often misunderstood and stigmatised by the public and even by some professionals. Many general myths circulate about personality disorders, such as that they are not valid diagnoses, people with personality disorders are all dangerous or violent, can’t hold a job or can never lead normal lives.
These myths can prevent people from getting the accurate information, support, and treatment they need. They can also contribute to the discrimination and isolation that people with personality disorders face.
Therefore, it is essential to discern between myths and truth when it comes to personality disorders. By doing so, we can reduce the stigma around these complex conditions and promote more awareness, understanding, and compassion for people who live with them.
Schizophrenia is one example of a complex and often misunderstood mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
It can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech and behaviour, and negative symptoms. These incorrect beliefs can lead to stigma, and discrimination, and hinder access to appropriate care like schizophrenia therapy.
Here are some common misconceptions about schizophrenia, how they originated, and the truth behind them:
As a renowned mental health hospital, Papillon believes borderline personality disorder treatment, schizophrenia therapy, and eating disorder treatment are vital for comprehensive mental health care. Contact us.
Myth: Schizophrenia means split personality.
Origin: The term “schizophrenia” comes from the Greek words “schizo” (split) and “phren” (mind). However, this doesn’t translate to having multiple personalities. Schizophrenia often involves a variety of symptoms, but not one involves multiple personalities.
Truth: Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and hallucinations, not multiple personalities. A split personality, also called Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Disorder, is quite distinct from schizophrenia. Dissociative Identity Disorder was formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder and is a separate condition with distinct diagnostic criteria.
Myth: People with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous
Origin: This misconception may stem from media portrayals or isolated violent incidents involving individuals with the disorder. People with schizophrenia are often depicted in popular culture as sadistic, unpredictable, and violent, but this contributes heavily to the disorder’s stigma.
Truth: The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent. While the disorder may increase the risk of violence in rare cases, it’s crucial to remember that most individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
Myth: Schizophrenia is caused by bad parenting
Origin: This myth may stem from outdated views on mental health and a lack of understanding about the disorder’s complex origins.
Truth: While specific causes are still being researched, schizophrenia is likely influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There’s no evidence to suggest bad parenting plays a role in causing the disorder.
Myth: Schizophrenia is rare
Origin: Due to the stigma surrounding the condition, people with schizophrenia may be less likely to seek help, leading to an underestimation of its prevalence.
Truth: Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the global population, making it a relatively common mental health condition.
Myth: People with schizophrenia are not intelligent
Origin: This misconception may be linked to the negative stereotypes associated with mental illness, often overlooking individual capabilities.
Truth: Intelligence is not impaired in all individuals with schizophrenia. Cognitive difficulties may be present in some cases, but many people with the disorder have average or above-average intelligence.
Myth: Schizophrenia guarantees long-term hospitalisation
Origin: Historically, mental health care heavily relied on institutionalisation. This perception might be a remnant of those times.
Truth: Hospitalisation may be necessary during acute episodes, but most individuals with schizophrenia can live independently with support and treatment.
Myth: People with schizophrenia can’t hold a job
Origin: On occasion, a person suffering from schizophrenia may find it difficult to keep up with the stress of a certain occupation or job, due to an acute episode of hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech and behaviour.
Truth: Stable individuals can function quite well when staying current on medication and utilising psychosocial treatment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that as many as half of the two million Americans with schizophrenia can improve significantly.
Myth: Schizophrenia has no cure
Origin: This misconception might arise from a lack of awareness about available treatments and their effectiveness.
Truth: While there is no cure for schizophrenia, a range of effective treatments, including medication, therapy, and community support, can significantly improve symptoms and allow individuals to live fulfilling lives.
Myth: Schizophrenia has no hope for recovery
Origin: This myth might stem from a lack of understanding about treatment options and the potential for individuals to manage their illness effectively. Truth: With proper treatment and support, many individuals with schizophrenia can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and lead productive and fulfilling lives. Recovering from schizophrenia is a personal journey, and the experience varies for each individual.
We also share insight into the challenges of depression in relationships.
