Split personalities. Violent behavior. Lifelong hospitalization. These are things that often come to mind when people think about
schizophrenia. But they are myths, just some of many misconceptions that are associated with one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. These myths contribute to the stigma attached to this psychiatric disorder.
Here are 10 of the most common myths about schizophrenia.
Myth #1. Schizophrenia is extremely rare.
In fact, schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population or about 2 million people, making it about as common as
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Schizophrenia can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of ethnicity, gender, income, or education level.
Myth #2. People with schizophrenia have split personalities.
Schizophrenia involves several complex symptoms—such as hallucinations, distorted thinking, and delusions—but having
multiple personalities is not one of them. Part of the reason why this myth persists is because the origin of the word “schizo” literally means “split.” But it does not refer to alternate personalities, but rather to a split between reality and delusions.
Myth #3. All schizophrenics are violent and dangerous.
In the movies, people with schizophrenia are sometimes portrayed as homicidal maniacs or as abusive monsters, which reinforces the myth that these people are
violent. In reality, these negative portrayals add to the stigma surrounding this condition, according to a
2016 review of exaggerations and stereotypes of the disorder in movies.
Myth #4. Sudden onset of symptoms.
Many people believe that schizophrenia comes on suddenly, causing a dramatic shift in an individual’s mood and comportment. In truth, schizophrenia develops over time with signs and symptoms arising gradually. For example, a person may begin having a flat emotional tone, withdrawing from regular activities, or self-isolating. In some cases, a major life stressor such as moving or starting college may trigger a
psychotic episode.
Myth #5. Schizophrenia is untreatable and long-term hospitalization is the only solution.
This is one of the most harmful myths about this condition because it prevents some people and their families from seeking treatment. Statistics show that only one-third of individuals with this mental health disorder receive treatment. And although some individuals may benefit from inpatient care, others see significant improvement in their symptoms with other types of treatment, including medication,
psychotherapy, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, stress-reduction strategies, and more.
Myth #6. Parents are to blame.
The notion that moms and dads cause schizophrenia with improper parenting is false. There is no scientific evidence that subpar parenting triggers this brain disorder.
Myth #7. Genetics dictates if you’ll get schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia tends to run in families and experts believe there is a genetic component to the condition. However, even if you have a family member who struggles with the condition, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to have it too. By taking care of your brain health and mental well-being, you can reduce your chances of developing it similar to the way you can avoid a hereditary heart condition by following a healthy lifestyle.
Myth #8. Substance use has nothing to do with schizophrenia.
A growing body of research suggests that using psychoactive drugs, such as marijuana, is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. One well-known Swedish study in the journal
Lancet that followed close to 50,000 young soldiers found that those who used cannabis were more than twice as likely to become schizophrenic compared with those who didn’t smoke marijuana. In addition, a 2018 study in
Schizophrenia Research shows that people with schizophrenia are more likely to struggle with
substance abuse than those who don’t have a mental health disorder. And substance use disorders worsen symptoms.
Myth #9. Symptoms of schizophrenia can’t be caused by biological factors.
This myth can have devastating consequences and can make people suffer needlessly for years or even decades. Increasingly, the neuropsychiatrists and functional medicine physicians at Amen Clinics have seen that infections, autoimmune diseases, and other biological factors can produce symptoms typically seen in schizophrenia. For example, hundreds of people have come to the Amen Clinics with psychiatric symptoms or cognitive issues that weren’t responding to treatment and tested positive for
Lyme disease. With proper treatment, their symptoms improved significantly. In 2017, scientists from Australia and China reviewed
8 clinical trials using the antibiotic minocycline, also used to treat Lyme disease, as an add-on treatment for schizophrenia, concluding it was significantly helpful for both positive symptoms (such as delusions, hallucinations, and agitation) and negative symptoms (decreased motivation, social withdrawal, lethargy). In a “lifelong” psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia, it’s important to rule out infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders as causes for your symptoms.
Myth #10. Schizophrenia is the same for everyone.
Brain imaging studies reveal that schizophrenia is not one thing. A
2020 analysis of 307 brain scans in the journal
Brain revealed 2 distinct subtypes of schizophrenia based on brain activity. In this study, one subtype was associated with decreased overall gray matter volume, and the other subtype showed increased volume in an area called the striatum. The researchers suggest that using the same treatment plan for all people with the condition may not be the best approach. Although the traditional psychiatric field is hailing this analysis as a revolutionary finding, the concept is not new.
In fact, Amen Clinics, which has built the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior (over 160,000 brain scans from 150 countries), has been sharing this message for 30 years. The
brain imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that mental health conditions are not single or simple disorders; they all have multiple types. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment will never work. What works for one person with schizophrenia (or any other psychiatric condition) may not work for another and could even make them worse. Understanding your own underlying brain function is critical to getting the right treatment plan.
Schizophrenia, psychosis, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
