(What Schizophrenia IS and what Schizophrenia is NOT:
Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Myths and misinformation often make it harder for people to understand what it really is—and what it isn’t. This can create unnecessary fear and stigma, making life more difficult for those living with the condition. In this article, we’ll clarify the truth about schizophrenia by exploring what it is and what it is not. With better understanding, we can replace judgment with empathy and help those affected lead better lives.
What Schizophrenia IS:
- Schizophrenia is a mental health condition. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and understands reality. People with schizophrenia might struggle to tell what is real from what is not.
- Schizophrenia is a long-term illness. It requires ongoing management. Symptoms may come and go, but with treatment, many people improve and can live meaningful lives.
- Schizophrenia is linked to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t real, while delusions are false beliefs that a person strongly holds, even when others can see they’re not true.
- Schizophrenia is influenced by brain chemistry and genetics. It is thought to result from a combination of genetic factors, chemical imbalances in the brain, and sometimes environmental triggers like trauma or stress.
- Schizophrenia is manageable with treatment. With the help of medications, therapy, and support systems, people with schizophrenia can manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
What Schizophrenia is NOT:
- Schizophrenia is NOT multiple personality disorder. Many people confuse schizophrenia with dissociative identity disorder (DID), which involves having multiple distinct personalities. Schizophrenia is about changes in thinking, perception, and behaviour, not split personalities.
- Schizophrenia is NOT caused by bad parenting. It is a complex mental illness caused by a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors—not how someone was raised or treated by their parents.
- Schizophrenia is NOT always violent or dangerous. Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. They are more likely to harm themselves or face stigma than to pose a threat to others.
- Schizophrenia is NOT the same for everyone. The condition can look very different in each person. Some might experience hallucinations, while others struggle more with negative symptoms like lack of motivation or social withdrawal.
- Schizophrenia is NOT untreatable. While it cannot be cured, schizophrenia can be managed with proper treatment, including medication, therapy, and support. Many people with the condition can lead fulfilling lives.
In conclusion, understanding schizophrenia is an important step in breaking the stigma and providing support to those who live with this condition. By recognizing what schizophrenia is—a treatable mental health disorder—and what it is not, such as a cause for fear or a reflection of poor parenting, we can create a more informed and compassionate society. With knowledge, empathy, and proper care, individuals with schizophrenia can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, proving that this condition does not define them.
Author: Nenad Bakaj, MHumServ (RehabCouns), BSocWk, DipAppSci (Comm&HumServ), AMHSW, MAAC, MAASW, JP (Qld)
Nenad Bakaj is a Brisbane based Clinical Counsellor, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Life Coach and Bigger Bite Out Of Life Trainer with a keen interest in positive psychology, mental health and wellbeing, and is continually developing his professional skills and knowledge. Nenad enjoys working with adolescents and young adults, as well as older clients, and feels it is a privilege to be able to support them.
To make an appointment with Nenad Bakaj, try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422 or M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129.
References
1. Andreasen, N. C. (1984). The broken brain: The biological revolution in psychiatry. Harper & Row.
2. Mueser, K. T., & Gingerich, S. (2006). The complete family guide to schizophrenia: Helping your loved one get the most out of life. Guilford Press.
3. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. (2016) Clinical practice guidelines for the management of schizophrenia and related disorders. Retrieved from schizophrenia-cpg.pdf
4. Strauss, G., & Noll, N. A. H. (2019). Schizophrenia: A handbook for families and friends. The Johns Hopkins University Press.
5. Torrey, E. F. (2020). Surviving schizophrenia: A manual for families, patients, and providers (7th ed.). HarperCollins.