Schizophrenia is often one of the most misunderstood complex mental conditions, and much of the generalizations made about this disorder can promote stigma toward mental health. It is important to clear up these myths and misconceptions to better understand what schizophrenia really is and how it truly impacts those who are affected by it, and help create a more empathetic and supportive society.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that alters a person’s perception, behavior, and emotions. Regardless of cultural, ethnic, or other demographic backgrounds, this condition affects approximately 1% of the world’s population, usually emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood — although the condition can develop at really any age.

The exact cause of schizophrenia isn’t known but research has shown various genetic, environmental, or chemical factors that could play a role. For instance, people who have a family history of schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing the disorder. Like many conditions, family history can say a lot about an individual’s likelihood of developing a disease.

On a more biological level, changes in the brain, whether structural or functional, can also contribute to developing schizophrenia. Irregular levels of chemical messengers such as dopamine and glutamate (neurotransmitters that mainly function to help with pleasure and motivation, and promoting memory and cognitive levels, respectively) have also shown to contribute to the development of this condition.

Nevertheless, there are various symptoms that characterize the presence of schizophrenia, among them being

• Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech
• Reduced motivation, seclusion, and reduced emotional expression, and
• Difficulties with memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions

One common misconception that does not characterize schizophrenia is having a split personality. Schizophrenia does not cause multiple personalities, and although the symptoms can be similar, these are two different conditions. Having multiple conditions can be associated with dissociative identity disorder (DID), where various distinct identities control a person’s behavior at various times. DID can cause similar schizophrenic symptoms such as memory loss, delusions, and depression, however the condition itself is completely separate from schizophrenia.

There are various treatments that are available for those with schizophrenia, including antipsychotic medications to help alleviate symptoms and interventions such as therapy and counseling that can assist people with controlling their symptoms and improving their lifestyle.

In severe cases of schizophrenia, individuals may need to be hospitalized — this may be done to ensure the immediate safety of the individual. There was a time when people with mental illness were sent to asylums and mental hospitals, when little was known regarding various mental illnesses including schizophrenia. Now that more mental health research has been done, fewer and fewer people need to be put in mental health facilities. The notion that people with schizophrenia belong in mental hospitals is another misconception, because every condition varies on a patient-to-patient basis. Not everyone’s condition is the same. Many people with schizophrenia can live independently while others may need more support, but as experts learn more about it and more research is being done, fewer people are institutionalized.

The long-term outlook of schizophrenia varies on a case-to-case basis as it does for all conditions, but recovery is possible and people with schizophrenia can lead meaningful lives and achieve their personal goals with early interventions and proper treatment.

At the end of the day, people with schizophrenia can make long strides toward recovery with support from others. They’re not inherently violent or dangerous, as certain movies and TV shows portray them as. Thrillers and true crime often misrepresent schizophrenics, framing characters as villains based on their condition, promoting the generalization that those with these kinds of disorders are a danger to people. In reality, like all conditions, schizophrenia varies on a case-by-case basis and symptoms of schizophrenia in most patients rarely include violent or dangerous behavior toward others. Although the condition can be characterized by bizarre or unusual behavior, violence is typically not part of it, and it’s essential to provide those dealing with schizophrenia with proper treatment and support so they can take steps to recovery.

Having a proper understanding of schizophrenia is essential to reduce the stigma surrounding it. By dispelling the myths and misconceptions and spreading awareness about the symptoms, causes, treatments, and more, we can foster support and compassion toward treating those who are dealing with schizophrenia, and show a more empathetic perspective toward the reality of those living with this condition.