"Schizophrenia" has long been a concept misinterpreted in film, television, and the media, often mistakenly associating it with "multiple personalities," "madness," or "violence." In reality, schizophrenia is a severe and complex mental disorder, far more complex than the popular imagination suggests. We combine professional knowledge with common misconceptions to clarify the following five key points to help you gain a more scientific understanding of this illness.
Schizophrenia presents in a complex and diverse manner, broadly categorized into five symptom clusters: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms, agitation (aggression, violence, and suicide), and anxiety and depression. Clinical manifestations can vary significantly across individuals and at different stages of the disease. For example, some patients may be more prominent with positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and bizarre behavior, while others may primarily display negative symptoms such as emotional apathy, indolence, lack of interest, and a low level of speech, without violent or violent behavior.
Research has found that only 10.7% of male schizophrenia patients and 2.7% of female patients have ever engaged in violent behavior, and those with schizophrenia are no more likely to commit homicide than the general population. Therefore, not all schizophrenia patients are associated with violence. We don't need to treat patients with schizophrenia as if they were a dangerous enemy, or to keep them at a distance. Overemphasizing the dangers of schizophrenia patients can lead to increased social panic and discrimination, causing patients to be afraid to admit their condition, feel ashamed to speak up, and delay treatment for fear of losing their jobs or loved ones.
- Schizophrenia ≠ Split Personality Disorder
Many people mistakenly think "schizophrenia" means "multiple personalities," but these are two completely different conditions.
Split Personality Disorder (DID): manifests as multiple independent personalities, each with potentially distinct memories and behaviors.
Schizophrenia: The core of the condition is impaired reality testing, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, but the personality is not "split"; it remains the same "self."
- Patients Are Not More Dangerous
Films and TV shows often exaggerate the violent tendencies of patients with schizophrenia, but data shows that their rates of violent crime are no higher than those of the general population; in fact, they are more likely to become victims. During an attack, most people withdraw, fear, or shut themselves off, rather than attack others. Stigma and stigma are the real obstacles to seeking medical treatment.
3. The causes are complex, not simply "stimulation."
Schizophrenia isn't caused simply by "shock" or "overthinking." It results from a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including abnormalities in brain neurotransmitters, genetic factors, pregnancy issues, childhood trauma, and chronic stress. Stimulation may trigger symptoms, but it's not the sole cause.
- It's treatable and manageable, not an "incurable disease."
Although it's a chronic condition, symptoms can be effectively managed with standard medications (such as antipsychotics), psychotherapy (such as CBT), and social support. Early intervention is crucial, and many patients are able to stabilize their condition and return to a normal life.
- They're not "crazy," just sick.
Patients are stigmatized as "irrational," but in reality, they're simply experiencing an illness that requires treatment and support, just like a physical illness. During periods of stability, many can work and study normally, and even achieve remarkable success.