Schizophrenia
'Schizophrenia' is a controversial mental health diagnosis related to psychosis.
Lots of people have heard of schizophrenia. But it's still very misunderstood as there's no clear definition of what this condition is. People given this diagnosis can have very different symptoms to each other and these symptoms might be explained in a wide range of ways.
This means there's lots of debate and disagreement about schizophrenia, and because of this, some experts say that doctors shouldn't use this diagnosis anymore. This is especially because it can be a stigmatising and difficult label to live with.
But others still find it a useful diagnosis to convey how hard it can be to live with certain symptoms. And to help people get support and care.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Many experiences and behaviours can be part of schizophrenia. Each person's experience is unique.
A doctor might say you have schizophrenia if you experience some of the following for at least 1 month:
- Delusions – strong beliefs that others don't share
- Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others don't
- Disorganised thinking and speech
- Being unable to express emotions, or feeling disconnected from them
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of interest or enjoyment in things
- Avoiding other people, including friends and family
You might also find it difficult to continue with day-to-day activities. - like going to work or taking care of yourself.
Schizophrenia symptoms can start suddenly, or they might develop gradually over time. Most people who get a schizophrenia diagnosis are between 18 and 35 years old. But symptoms can happen at any age.
Positive and negative symptoms
You might hear doctors talk about schizophrenia symptoms as being positive and negative, but this doesn't mean good or bad.
- Positive symptoms are thoughts and feelings it adds to your everyday experiences. This might include hearing or seeing things that others don't, or believing that something is real or true when it isn't.
- Negative symptoms are thoughts and feelings it takes away from your everyday experiences. You might have a lack of interest in things, be less able to express emotion, or not want to talk to others.
Common myths about schizophrenia
There's a lot of misinformation in the media about schizophrenia. Stories in the news, in films and on TV might be sensationalised for drama and they can be misleading or false.
Some people may have negative or outdated ideas about schizophrenia. They may make assumptions about you that aren't true.
The truth is:
- It doesn't mean you have a 'split personality' or 'multiple personalities'. Experiences like this are a part of dissociative identity disorder (DID). But schizophrenia isn't anything to do with personality or identity.
- It doesn't mean that someone will be dangerous or violent. Most people with schizophrenia do not commit violent crimes. Some research suggests that the risk is slightly higher among people who have this diagnosis than people who don't. But it's not clear that schizophrenia is the cause. Evidence shows that factors like drug and alcohol misuse are far more likely to play a part in violence.
People with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime – or to harm themselves – than to harm someone else.
You might worry about having a label of schizophrenia, and the stereotypes. You might see yourself negatively too because of this stigma. Remember that these wrong assumptions are often due to a lack of knowledge or bad information. You deserve support and respect.
© Mind. This webpage has been adapted by SAMH from an original publication produced by Mind and published at www.mind.org.uk.
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