Three Reasons Schizophrenia Isn’t What You Think It Is

1. Schizophrenia is not a split personality.

“Roses are red; violets are blue. I’m a schizophrenic, and so am I!” Have you ever thoughtlessly quoted this jingle? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people make light of this affliction, but it’s a serious matter.

The average person believes that someone with schizophrenia has a split personality. It’s a common misconception.

Actually, the mental illness you’re thinking of is “dissociative identity disorder.”

A person with this diagnosis suffers from two or more alternate personalities. He or she also experiences significant gaps in memory, so it’s an upsetting disorder for everyone involved.

If you’re interested, click here for more information about this disorder.

2. The definition of schizophrenia is constantly developing.

“Schizophrenia” is actually an umbrella term with multiple nuances. A person with this disorder may hear voices and grow excessively paranoid. Some sufferers see people who aren’t there; others have constantly expressionless faces. I’ve even met a few severe cases in which sufferers were convinced demons were targeting them.

Naturally, with such varied manifestations, we find it difficult to grasp the definition.

Psychologists have developed a helpful book. They call it the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), and it provides definitions for mental health diagnoses. It basically functions as the Bible for mental health professionals.

Due to advances in science — not to mention the human brain’s complexity — the DSM often undergoes revision. Right now, psychologists use the DSM-5 (the fifth and most recent edition).

With each updated DSM the list of symptoms for schizophrenia gets tweaked, causing more confusion.

For more info, check out this chart!

3. The word “schizophrenia” itself is confusing.

Broken down, the word means “split mind.” Is it any surprise, then, that we get confused?

A psychiatrist in the 1900s coined this term, but he never intended it to mean dissociative identity disorder. Up to that point most people viewed schizophrenia as a form of dementia. He disagreed.

His new word insinuated that people with this diagnosis experience a mind splintered with fear, confusion, and delusions.

Knowledge about this complex disorder is expanding. Sadly, psychologists don’t know of any definite preventive or curative measures, and sufferers long for a future in which their disease is both understood and alleviated.