Psychology is a constantly evolving field of study. Every year, new information is released, new theories are produced, and new solutions come into light. However, the sad truth is that this information is passed between those who are academically or professionally involved in the field rather than the common people. So, we’d like to share some information about Schizophrenia. Too often do people view Schizophrenia as a dangerous mental illness. People seem to think that those who are diagnosed with Schizophrenia are “lunatic[s] on a rampage,” as expressed in a video:
Schizophrenia is defined as “a serious mental illness characterized by incoherent or illogical thoughts, bizarre behavior and speech, and delusions or hallucinations, such as hearing voices” by the American Psychological Association. So, for misconceptions, like Schizophrenia being “an untreatable disease associated with violent behavior,” is, indeed, very unfortunate.
With new data suggesting that as many as 50% of those who live with schizophrenia have positive results with appropriate treatment, light might thankfully be shed on the illness, and it will lose its negative connotations and those who live with it may live a normal life away from social prejudice.
As an end note, here’s Elyn Saks talking about her experience as someone who is diagnosed with schizophrenia:
Works Cited:
(14 May 2013). “Schizo”: 90 (Bring Change 2 Mind’s Second PSA) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21U4sa187GY.
(2014). Schizophrenia.. Retrieved from American Psychological Association website http://www.apa.org/topics/schiz/index.aspx.
(2014). What is Schizophrenia?. Retreived from National Alliance on Mental Illness website http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=schizophrenia9.
(2 Jul. 2012). Elyn Saks: A tale of mental illness — from the inside [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6CILJA110Y.
