A person struggling with schizophrenia is capable of seeing a ‘big wolf’ in everyone, even in those who are family and friends. Yet, he turns a blind eye towards the chaotic self and suffers from his ‘good wolf’ self. Fear attacks his brain like a gruesome parasite, making him feel scattered and alone. This primitive fear eats up the nerve that provokes logical analysis and creates a pile of paranoid ideas. Such ideas are so believable that even the teller himself cannot see them for what they are.
It is how anyone would explain the bottom line of schizophrenia disorder. In the Dubai psychiatry clinic, you might find a person with schizophrenia who spends each waking minute unraveling a new conspiracy theory. The public’s understanding of this mental illness continues to evolve, but some myths and misconceptions prevail. Fears and assumptions about a schizophrenic person lead to stereotypes, overgeneralization and incorrect information.
Here, we uncover some important myths and facts about schizophrenia that will assist you in uncovering reality from fiction:
Myth: Schizophrenia means that the person is a victim of a split personality.
Now, this is a classic myth. The public often confuses schizophrenia with a split personality. A split personality, known as dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality disorder, is extremely rare. It is distinct from schizophrenia because schizophrenia is a thought disorder.
However, the myth still exists because there is a split or breakdown in thoughts, emotions and behaviors of a schizophrenic individual. Due to this split or breakdown, people are struggling to differentiate between reality and fiction. The patient showcases episodes of hallucination and delusions. Also, his emotions become blunt and inappropriate.
People often think of schizophrenic people as someone who is seeing things and hearing voices. The field of psychiatry labels them as positive symptoms. Among negative symptoms, lack of motivation and pleasure, difficulty paying attention and troubling social relationships are common.
Fact: Marijuana Addiction is associated with an increased risk of Schizophrenia
The association between marijuana use and schizophrenia are concerning. It is scientifically proven that as potent strains of marijuana enter the community, the risk of psychosis increases. For instance, the use of marijuana has been legalized in the state of California, where it is used deeply. The unattended legalization of marijuana has led to an increase in people with certain mental disorders. Hence, it is accurate to call it the devil of drugs.
Myth: Schizophrenic People have the potential to turn into high-profile criminals.
The overrepresentation in TV media and novels falsely label people with schizophrenia as dangerous and violent. In reality, they are more likely to be the victims of violence rather than playing the role of a perpetrator.
You might find a schizophrenic person struggling to access social benefits. They create a homeless life on the streets or in social work shelters. In such places, they often experience discrimination, bullying and assault.
A specialist of the best psychiatry in Dubai clinics will affirm that people with schizophrenia become aggressive. However, the public has oversimplified it because it is not always the case. A person can be aggressive and have a problem managing their anger. But this person does not have schizophrenia. Medication and counseling can help with the signs of violent behaviors.
Fact: People with Schizophrenia are at high risk of suicide
People with schizophrenia are at higher risk of suicide ideation. It is estimated that 10 per cent of schizophrenic people die by suicide and suicide attempts are incredibly high among such people.
During an episode, the voices in the patient’s mind tell him to kill himself. It is only a few minutes after the episode subsides that he looks at what happened in a different way. At this moment, he worries about their future.
It is especially true when he is struggling with an internalized stigma about what he will achieve with his mental disorder. At this point, demotivation and depression occupy his mind. As a result, the risk of hurting himself increases.
What is an effective way to treat Schizophrenia?
To sum up, the false representation of this mental disorder that fueled these myths and facts are struggling to dominate them. There are a number of people who were treated for schizophrenia and are doing quite well. Suppose the person is willing to participate in psychotherapy with the help of a reliable psychologist in Dubai. In that case, they can extend the value of medication and implement healthy principles into their lifestyle.