Fact or fiction: Schizophrenia


Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder affecting about 1 in 100 people. While there may not be a cure schizophrenia research is leading to new safer treatment. Schizophrenia occurs when previously normal cognitive abilities and behaviours are disrupted. However, the precise cause is unknown. It is now thought that a combination of factors such as genetic make-up, prenatal viruses, early brain damage and underlying biochemical abnormalities cause schizophrenia to occur.

When comparing the brain of a schizophrenic and a normal brain it has shown different areas of the brain being affected, the most common findings being the enlargement of the lateral ventricles (fluid filled sacs surrounding the brain), reduced volume of the brain and the cerebral cortex being smaller. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of evidence on how these differences cause schizophrenia. Another area of the brain that has been found to be severely affected has been the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is associated with memory which would explain how the thought process of some individuals can become disordered. Tests have been done to show the prefrontal cortex damage causes similar cognitive problems to those diagnosed with schizophrenia. There are many different theories suggesting how the brain is affected by schizophrenia but research is still being done and day by day better understandings of the disorder are being uncovered.

The complexity and lack of understanding and knowledge of schizophrenia has led to many misconceptions of the disorder: 

1. Multiple personalities - although the word “schizo” does in fact mean “split” when talking about schizophrenia it refers to the splitting of the mind and the gaps in a person's ability to think and express emotions. It does not mean that they have multiple personalities.
2. Danger - schizophrenic patients are often depicted to be a danger to society. While some patients may be violent and commit crimes the vast majority are non violent yet this stigma still stands. Due to this stigma many schizophrenic patients lack the same opportunities of a healthy person which lowers their quality of life.
3. Delusions and hallucinations - yes delusions and hallucinations are both symptoms of schizophrenia however they aren’t the only symptoms. Other symptoms include confusions, lack of concentration and motivation, no desire for social relationships and disorganised speech.
4. Schizophrenia can’t be treated - schizophrenia cannot be cured but, it can be successfully treated through medication, rehabilitation and therapy. People with schizophrenia are able to live productive lives and be active members of society.

Thank you for reading 
Amanda Kadye

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