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I am not defined by my illness.
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder, although it was historically regarded as a mental illness. Though schizophrenia affects about 60 million people (1% of the world’s adolescent and adult population) it remains poorly misunderstood by the public.
Schizophrenia manifests with paranoid delusions and other false beliefs, auditory, visual and other hallucinations, unusual or bizarre behavior, difficulties with thinking, lack of motivation impaired memory, making decisions, behaving and inability to distinguish what is real from what is not. These symptoms usually start in the late teens or early twenties, and are often referred to as psychosis or a “nervous breakdown.”
There are many common misconceptions. Let’s clarify the truths about schizophrenia.
Having schizophrenia is NOT a sign of moral failing or weakness.
Genetic and environmental factors can both cause changes in brain structure and neurochemistry during fetal life, leading to schizophrenia in early adulthood.
A person with schizophrenia has ONE personality. Not multiple.
Behind the forehead, is the frontal lobe, which is the CEO of every body’s life. This is responsible for “executive functions” i.e. the ability to organize thoughts, think clearly, make plans, control impulses and understand consequences. In a person with schizophrenia, the prefrontal cortex does not function properly, leading to symptoms of disorganization and confusion. Another part of the brain called the limbic system is chemically abnormal in schizophrenia, which can result in psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that aren’t really there) - or delusions, which are fixed false beliefs.
Sometimes the symptoms of schizophrenia include disconnected thoughts and language, trouble putting together coherent sentences, and often neglecting self-care by not showering or eating.
Schizophrenia can NOT be overcome by willpower.
Through intervention with antipsychotic drugs, the abnormal chemical balance in the brain can be restored. They also strengthen connections among the billions of brain cells and help regenerate growth in the gray and white matter of the brain in several regions.
Schizophrenia is NOT a hopeless condition.
Partial or full recovery is possible in many patients. A combination of early prevention, uninterrupted medication, psychosocial rehabilitation, family and peer support, can help with overcoming symptoms, preventing relapses (which can cause brain tissue loss), and reclaiming back lives. With comprehensive treatment, persons living with schizophrenia can achieve their life goals, and regain functioning in the three major domains of life - work, play and love.
Debunking the myths of schizophrenia is an important step to understanding it as a medical condition.
Co-authored by Henry A. Nasrallah, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, & Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
and Helen M. Farrell, M.D., Harvard faculty, Boston Psychiatrist
http://www.helenfarrellmd.com
