World Schizophrenia Day

  •   Fri, May 24 2024
  •   By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor

May 24, 2024

May 24 every year is observed as World Schizophrenia Day. There are lot of myths about Schizophrenia. Let’s clarify:

Myth no 1

Schizophrenia is an illness where patients are depressed and suicidal.

Fact:

Schizophrenia comes in the category of psychosis where individuals experience delusions and hallucinations. In some cases these ‘command hallucinations’ instruct patients to harm self. During the recovery phase from psychosis around 1/4th patients may become depressed.

Myth no 2

People with Schizophrenia are violent and dangerous.

Fact:

Most individuals with Schizophrenia are cot violent. In some, the auditory hallucinations may command patient to harm others. In some other cases, the patient has persecutory delusions and may act violently.

Myth no 3

Schizophrenia is caused due to bad karma and voodoo magic.

Fact:

Schizophrenia is caused by multiple factors such as genetics, use of drugs and stressors.

Myth no 4

Schizophrenia can be treated with counselling and hypnotherapy.

Fact:

The mainstay of Schizophrenia treatment is antipsychotics. Psychotherapy assists in integrating individuals to community.

Myth no 5

Schizophrenia can never be cured completely.

Fact:

Macy patients become near normal on treatment.

Myth no 6

Individuals with this disorder become a burden on others and cannot work.

Fact

There are so many individuals with Schizophrenia who are productive, earning and useful members of society.

Myth no 7

If there is a family history of Schizophrenia there is a very high chance that their children will also have it.

Fact

Though it is true that Schizophrenia is genetic and risk of their children developing illness is higher than in general population. But chances of having normal children will definitely be much more.

Myth no 8

Once the patient has no symptoms the medication can be stopped.

Fact

Lifelong maintenance treatment is needed in Schizophrenia.

Myth no 9

Psychiatric drugs are dangerous and addictive.

Fact

Psychiatric drugs are a boon of science. Before these drugs, patients were chained, beaten and locked-up in so called asylums. These drugs have transformed for the better, the life of patients living with Schizophrenia. The new age psychiatric medications are safe and when taken under guidance of a psychiatrist, not dependence producing.

Myth no 10

Giving once a month injections for Schizophrenia is dangerous.

Fact

Depot antipsychotics are safe and excellent in improving outcome of Schizophrenia treatment as results improve with better drug compliance.

Myth no 11

Patient has to try hard. There is not much that the family can do.

Fact

Family and friends can have a profound impact on course and outcome of Schizophrenia. Studies prove that warmth and understanding can reduce and delay relapses of psychosis.

 

 

 
By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor
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Comment on this article

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, May 29 2024

    Dear you have explained very well.With this sickness my family had to bare a lot and family has been broken .Sad that when spouse has to suffer a lot.Previously my one aunt was sick,and I remember they used to tie her to tree or bamboo and beat her severely.Thank God now this is not there but medicine too one has to take life long and sometimes your patience also is not there .Long time medicine has its effect on patient.I can only say noone should get this sickness and family members have to suffer.Keep writing further .

  • Thomas, Mangalore

    Wed, May 29 2024

    This is a good article that clarifies many myths about schizophrenia. Thank you Dr.Hegde Aroor.

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Sun, May 26 2024

    Apart from psychological, Spiritual reason for this or most of mental issues which are due to one or the other negative spirits affecting the individual. Following one or some of negative thoughts and / or emotions like rejection, unforgiveness, guilt, fear, pride, anger, hatred, envy, some of which could have been aquired due to may be one's greed or gluttony or lust or addiction or attachments. Solution for this - Whenever they are in their senses reconciliation or mending of broken relationships whether in friendship, marriage or business to be advised or counselled. Let go ego, attachments, addictions if any. And more importantly many charities incase of reconciliation not possible to be made to overcome these darknesses lurking or haunting or attacking or controlling individual so to get free from these evils or bondages. As following is what Holy Scripture says "But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: For Charity Covereth A Multitude of Sins."

  • Jithesh, Mangalore

    Fri, May 24 2024

    The answers are not conclusive, reality is these medications are can't cure any psychological disorders instead it may helpful to manage short term symptoms, moreover there are several hard side effects during course of medication . The cause of any psychological issues are unknown, the easiest way to blame is genetic factor.

  • GILBERT JOHN PINTO, BEJAI/MANGALORE

    Fri, May 24 2024

    Congratulations. Wonderfully explained.


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